Hello and thank you for posting.

It sounds like your mum has been through a tough time, and, understandably, you’re feeling unsure about the next steps.

Skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are quite common in older adults, especially after a lifetime of sun exposure. These cancers are usually slow-growing and rarely life-threatening, particularly BCC. SCC can be more aggressive, but even then, it often progresses locally rather than spreading widely.

A biopsy is the only way to confirm what type of lesion it is. The procedure itself is usually quick and done under local anaesthetic. Patients may feel a sting with the local anaesthetic and there may be some discomfort when the biopsy is taken.

Whether treatment is needed depends on several factors: the type of cancer, its size and location, and most importantly, your mum’s overall health and wishes. For many elderly patients with other health problems, doctors often consider less invasive options or even monitoring rather than treatment.

If the lesions are causing pain, bleeding, or risk of infection, treatment might still be worthwhile. But if they’re not causing any problems and your mum’s health is fragile, it’s worth discussing with the dermatologist whether a biopsy will change the management plan. It might also be helpful to ask: what will happen if a biopsy isn't done, and if it is cancer, what are the treatment options.

Please don’t feel guilty about not getting this checked sooner. It sounds like your mum has had a very challenging year, with the priority being her recovery and wellbeing. These skin cancers often grow slowly, so a delay of months is unlikely to have made a big difference.

I hope this helps in some way, please feel free to get back to us. If you would like to talk things through with one of the nurses on the helpline, we are available between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040.

Jemma

Thank you so much Jemma for your reply, it's been very comforting and reassuring. Like all Mums mine is precious and I've tried my best to look after her well. I think she will have the biopsy so that we know at least what we are dealing with. Thank you 

it has been confirmed that Mum does have SCC on both her lip and temple.  They have been graded as moderate.  No active treatment is being offered because of her health but palliative radiotherapy can be given if they become painful which at present they are not.  I'm finding it difficult to accept that she has cancer and nothing is being done.  I understand that it's best for her but am now scared about what will happen and the uncertainty of it.  How likely is it to spread and become fatal?  

Hi there Blarney and thanks for the update

I am sorry to hear about your mum having scc and there being little that can be done for her, this must be difficult to take in.

This is understandably worrying for you but as you say it sounds due to other health conditions most treatment would likely cause her more harm than good.

It is impossible for anyone to know what the future may hold for your mum and this of course will feel unsettling but try to take things one day at a time for now.

Whilst scc can be more aggressive than bcc they tend to spread locally rather than to other parts of the body and it can take some time to do this. As you say there is the option for some local radiation if this start to cause discomfort for your mum. Do also mention any concerns you have with the doctors involved in her care.

If your mum isn't known to a macmillan nurse do ask if she can be assigned one as a point of contact for support and symptom management if your mums situation does change. They can check in on her from time to time and increase their input should her needs and situation changes. The GP can refer her to one.

I hope this is helpful but do get back in touch if you have more questions. The nurse helpline is also open week days 9-5 on 0808 800 4040 if you prefer to talk over the phone.

All the best

Naomi