Hi Suz,

Please focus on the words they used 'Possible skin cancers.'

Whilst DERM technology is a huge asset to immediately tell if marks/lesions are completely benign, it cannot tell if something is definitely malignant. Therefore they have referred you to dermatology where it may be advised it's removed & sent for a biopsy as this is the only 100% way of knowing what it is. This is why they said 'possible skin cancers' as 75% of patients referred to dermatology are found to have benign or atypical/dysplastic lesions.

If it should be skin cancer, it could well be basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma which are easily treatable. If it's melanoma, it could be early stage & easily treatable. Even if it's not been found early it may still not have grown deeply into the epidermis/dermis so again, it's treatable.

Now you have been referred on the cancer pathway you will be seen by a dermatologist who will examine the mark and decide if it's suspicious enough to be removed for biopsy. You will be in good hands so try not to overthink everything. The wait for the appointment etc is the hardest part of all this so try & find ways to distract yourself from worrying about it and don't Google as it's not helpful.

I hope you aren't waiting too long for your appointment & good luck. Please let us know how you get on.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Hi Angie ,

Thanks for your message. I know I need to remain calm as there isn't technically anything to worry about at the moment but I just feel so anxious. One minute I feel certain everything will be fine and that I'll feel silly for worrying and the next I'm thinking about how much my life might change in the next few weeks.

I wish I knew more about how DERM worked as it would maybe make me feel a bit better but I'd only be searching for answers that only a biopsy or professional could give me.

Hi Angie

I have had 2 basal cell carcinoma's removed and am waiting for an appointment with dermatology to see about another couple. Please try not to worry, BCC's are not life threatening and are easily treated. They are also very slow growing. I had one on my shoulder for a few years , basically started off as dry skin and after a while turned into a spot. My GP surgery biopsied it and then removed it in their minor surgery clinic. 

Hopefully you will get an appointment soon but try not to worry in the meantime

Sorry, I meant Suz

Hi Sandiana, 

It's all just a bit confusing as they said there would be one of 3 outcomes. The first is that it would be identified as benign and no treatment was required, the second is that it would be identified as a less invasive cancer that doesn't metastasise such as BCC and I'd receive further info about treatment and the third was that it would would be identified as potebtial skin cancer which needed urgent treatment. Therefore it sounds to me that if it was something like BCC the technology would have identified it as such?. Thats what makes me feel worried that it must be a more serious type as apparently the technology can differentiate. 

Hi

If they haven't done a biopsy yet they can't be sure exactly what type it is and the chances are that they are BCC's. They also have to spell out all the outcomes, it doesn't mean they think you have a serious form. Hopefully you don't have to wait too long for a biopsy to put your mind at rest.

I understand how stressful waiting for tests is and the constant worry that it might be something.

Let me know how you get on.

Just seen the paper work that came through to my GPS as I can view my records online. I'm not sure if I was supposed to be able to see this or not but it states suspected Melanoma so now I'm really worried. 

I know you must be thinking the worst, human nature to do that but until a biopsy is carried out, they can't know for sure.  I am in a similar position as I am waiting for a colonoscopy as had a positive bowel screening result. 

I am due to go in next week and will just have to deal with whatever it ius.

Stay positive Suz

I hope your Colonoscopy goes well, I'll be crossing my fingers for good news. I was given an emergency Dermatology appt yesterday and it was good news of sorts. My lesion was not cancerous but pre-cancerous. They used cryotherspy to kill the cells and said I won't need any further treatment. I know I should feel so happy and relieved which I do but my skin is obviously sun damaged and from research I've done it seems more of these pre-cancerous lesions are likely to develop over time as they often develop years after exposure. I know I'll have to be super careful with my skin going forwards and just keep an eye on things.