First dermatology appointment on Friday

Hi TillyHiker 

I had a melanoma treated in 2018 and a 9mm BCC I'd had for years in the middle of my face wasn't picked up during my checks until I mentioned it. Despite it's prominent location, it did kind of blend in well and it didn't occur to me it was anything until I became aware of other types of skin cancer.

I've also had various other skin lesions that seemed a bit suspect at first but on further investigation turned out to be completely benign. 

I'd personally tell them about anything you're concerned about. It might also help to write them down prior to your appointment and revisit them to see if you feel the same about them on a second look.

Your hypervigilance at the moment is understandable and I've found it can actually be useful when applied with a little common sense, but I'm more than aware that this can fly out of the window when worry kicks in!

Hope this helps and good luck at your appointment. x

Hi Msc19754c

Thank you so much for your reply xx It's so helpful to hear how you found your appointments at dermatology. I've made a list of things I'd like to ask them about xx Thanks for the good advice xx Hope things are going well for you xx

This is really useful advice. 

Hope things go well for you TillyHiker

Thank you TillyHiker . On the skin cancer front, I'm currently 7.5 years clear of melanoma and just over 4 years clear of BCC (touch wood!)

Hope all goes well today. Keep us posted if you want to share any updates. x

That is positive news indeed

My appointment went ok .... I think  

Was reassured that I just need to keep using moisturiser and sun protection.

Just had the letter from Dermatology. Says Dermatoscopy shows no features of skin cancer.

3 issues referred by GP diagnosis is

1. Lesion Erythaematoys Actinic Keratosis.

2. Lesion revealed brain like structures consistent with seborrheic keratosis.

3. Solar Lentigo - moth eaten appearance and a uniform pigment network but no features of Lentigo Maligna

I asked about the other lesions but she said nothing to worry about

Discharged from Dermatology 

I'll have a google later to look things up and see what moisturiser is recommended. 

Do you mind me asking what Sun Protection you use? 

Thank you again for your help - really appreciated. Look after yourself

That is great news TillyHiker !

My first line of defence with the sun is to stay out of it as much as possible as I'm very fair-skinned so we tend not to mix well anyway. I personally hate using sun lotions as I've found they usually have a smell and leave a greasy residue even if they claim not to, but if I'm in a position where I can't avoid the sun and it's in my best interests to use it, I currently have Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ for any exposed areas. I even pop it on my ears!

I use spf 50 pizz buin lotion all over and spf 30 pizz buin on lips. 

I also wear uva/uvb blocking clothing and of course sunnies and a hat. I don't lay in the sun at all (multiple BCCs all over my body). 
I also wear spf 50 on my neck/face and hands when it’s not sunny. 

you also mentioned moisturiser, I use double base gel all over my body including my face twice daily. hope this helps?