Hi Lynn,

If you don't mind me asking, what symptoms have you presented with for the referral to dermatology?

Angie (melanoma patient)

Hi Angie

i presented with a lump on my cheek. It appeared approx 7 weeks ago, and has changed in shape a number of times. It also started to hurt. Was referred via a photo through my skin doctor. 
Dermatologist said it was bone not his area of expertise. So he sent for a 2ww ct scan/appointment. 
Saw the new consultant yesterday and he says a CT scan is useless and I should just wait for an ultrasound. 
He admits he has no idea what it is, but will preform surgery anyway. 
mum so confused and don't know what I should do. 

Hi,

I know how confusing & worrying this must be. Your GP was correct referring you to dermatology at first because it was more likely that the lump was on the skin. However, dermatologists only deal with skin and associated problems so that is why you were then sent to Maxillofacial who deal with anything connected to the bones & tissues of the face.

An ultrasound of the lump will hopefully show them what the problem is. My personal experience was that I noticed a small lump appear next to my nose/under my eye. Because of my melanoma history my GP sent me for an ultrasound on my face. The head radiographer couldn't tell what it was - it looked like a lymph node but there are no nodes in that area. I was told to return in 6 weeks for another ultrasound to see if anything had changed - by the time I went back the lump had disappeared & there was nothing to be seen. So we will never know what it was!

Hopefully your lump will either be something easily treatable or it will disappear! My oncologist explained, after 2 CT scans of my liver due to a mark they found, that the inside of the body is like the outside - it gets lumps, bumps, marks etc that can come & go or have always been there and are fine. 

Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (melanoma patient)