Really Worried - Possible Skin Cancer

I attended a GP appt on Monday 20.5.24 as I had a spot on my cheek that was a little crusty and has been there for almost a year now, maybe longer.

She looked at it and said she couldn't see anything alarming or anything serious that was jumping out at her, but asked me to go back and have some photos taken two days later.

I did that, and the day after, I looked to see what she had written on my notes. It said:

History: attends for review of lesion on face.
Examination: approx 2-3mm diameter, regular border, light brownish colour, uniform, looks like possible early seb keratosis lesion but difficult to tell, has lot of thread veins on cheek so ?could be BCC as well.
Plan: check dermatoscope and review.
happy for me to message if normal.
if any other concern can refer.

I was alarmed when I read those notes, just before going to sleep!

She rang me back the day after I had the photos taken and again told me over the phone that she wasn't concerned, however the images weren't really clear enough for her to be sure, so she would do a referral to

dermatology and that it would be done under the two week referral for suspected skin cancer. (I work in a surgery, so know about these.)

I looked again in my records today and this is what she wrote this time:

History: called re dermatoscope pics.
don't think i can confidently say is AK.
happy for me to refer on to derm 2WW
aware they may be able to review from pics and call her.

Which of the following apply

Please tick

You are suspicious of a diagnosis of Melanoma

You are suspicious of a diagnosis of SCC          X                                                

You are suspicious of BCC please refer to Priderm, unless it is obstructing vision or airway

 and to my dismay, she has ticked suspected SCC!! She didn't mention this once to me. I am so worried and can't stop feeling nauseous, thinking I now have a serious skin cancer! What if I've left it too late???

Parents
  • Hi Sally 45,

    I know it's worrying to see that 'suspected SCC' has been ticked but, as others have said, it's the only way your GP could get you seen under the 2WW rule. I'm actually glad to see your GP has done this because she has been very proactive - sadly many GP's aren't & sometimes miss something that should have been referred urgently. Hopefully your lesion won't be SCC & it can be treated quickly & successfully. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Well after waiting for 8 days, still no phone call from Dermatology, however I've just now been sent a text message to say I need to attend an appt next Friday afternoon! GP told me they would look at the photos that were sent to triage them. Now I'm thinking they must be looking at them and suspecting skin cancer too! Has it been known that they see patients at face to face appointments, but there's been no need for any surgery? I'm terrified now. Why is it always before the weekend when you get news you don't want?

  • Hi Sally I'd take it as a positive you have an apt so soon , obviously dermatology would want To see you, you haven't had any tests yet IE biopsy or they may try you on a cream first and if that dos t clear it then do biopsy . Sadly I'm still waiting almost 4 weeks on since referral

Reply
  • Hi Sally I'd take it as a positive you have an apt so soon , obviously dermatology would want To see you, you haven't had any tests yet IE biopsy or they may try you on a cream first and if that dos t clear it then do biopsy . Sadly I'm still waiting almost 4 weeks on since referral

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