Although new to this, I am not new to skin cancers. Over the years I have had numerous types of BCC, an SCC, and a melanoma, and many non-malignant keratoses and the like. I have several questions.
1. Has the treatment changed? I used to have to apply Aldara Cream or Efudix to the BCC's for a period of weeks. But over the past year or so, I have had to had several excisions.
2. How long does it take for the histology report on these to be assessed and when and how will I find out results - particularly if any of them is diagnosed as melonoma?
3. Is there any noticeable or documented reason for the increase in frequency of these lesions?
4. Is there any evidence of connection with the anti-covid vaccines (as a possible side effect)?
And one bit of experience that may help others. Our bodies need a good dose of vitamin D which normally comes from natural sunlight. But skin cancer sufferers are advised not to expose themselves and to use Factor 50 sun block cream on exposed skin. About 18 months ago I noticed how weary and depressed I was (something that happened every winter), and asked for a blood test from my local GP surgery to test for Vitamin D deficiency. They advised me that it was not something they checked for, but as I was due a blood test for another reason, they would include a Vitamin D request in it. Surprise, surprise, the test showed that I was very Vitamin D deficient.
But under the NHS a remedy was not prescribable. Instead I was advised to purchase over the counter a certain strength of Vitamin D tablets (called supplements), which I have been taking daily ever since. But if vitamin D deficiency is an identifiable outcome of advice and treatment for skin cancer, why is it not available under the NHS?
Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community
Like you I have had various skin lesions removed most of them benign except for one that was a melanoma. I'm currently waiting on the results of two I had surgically removed two weeks ago, one of which my consultant is confident is a BCC.
I have no medical background but will try to answer your questions based on my experience or provide links to information if I don't have the necessary experience.
1. Has treatment changed for BCCs - my understanding is that the preferred treatment for BCC is surgery. However, there is other treatment available depending on the size and location. This information from BAD (British Association of Dermatologists) gives further treatment information.
2. How long does the histology report take to be assessed and how will I get the results - I don't know how long it takes after the results come back from the pathology laboratories to be assessed by the consultant.
With my first excision, which turned out to be a melanoma, I was told to expect the results back in about 4 weeks but it took 6 weeks for them to come back. I was told that it was a melanoma at a face-to-face consultation with my consultant. This was nearly 5 years ago.
My last excision, a couple of years ago, turned out to be a benign skin condition and I received the results by post after about 4 weeks.
At the excision I had two weeks ago I was told that the results should be back within 6 weeks and to phone my consultant's secretary if I hadn't heard anything by then. One of the lesions removed is a suspected BCC whilst the other is for a mole that my consultant thinks has changed so she's had it removed to check that it's not another melanoma.
3. Is there any documented reason for the increase in frequency of these lesions - see the link above and also this information from Macmillan where you'll see it says "most skin cancers are caused by skin damage that happens from exposure to the sun. The damage can happen over a long period of time or from getting sunburnt. People with a history of sunburn or overexposure to the sun in childhood also have a greater risk of developing both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Because people are living longer, they are exposed to more sun over their lifetime."
4. Is there any evidence of connection with the anti-covid vaccines - I can't help you with this one
For the first time since being diagnosed I had a blood test to check my vitamin D levels this last winter. Apparently it was in the normal range but I still take a vitamin D tablet every morning. I buy these tablets myself but if my vitamin D level had been low I would have asked my GP if they were available on prescription.
As the community is divided up into different support groups I going to recommend that you join us over in the skin cancer group and melanoma group which are great places to ask questions, share experiences and get support.
To join just click on the links I've created and then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens. You can then introduce yourself and post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
It would be great if you could pop something about your diagnosis and treatment so far in your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
If you have any difficulty navigating the community just drop me a reply and I'll be pleased to help.
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