Hi - I am a transplant patient (20 years+) and the side effect of one of my immunosuppressants (Azathioprine) is skin cancers.
Over the last 7 years, I have had multiple small operations where small areas of skin on my hands and face have been excised. Histology results following those excisions have shown a mixture of Actinic Keratoses, Basal Cell Carcinomas and Squamous Cell Carcinomas. I am fortunate - very! - that none of the BCCs nor SCCs have spread or have caused problems beyond the point where they were removed.
The frequency of these skin lesions occurring, is increasing. The hospital I attend and I have settled into a routine now where as a default, I try a course (2 weeks or so) of Efudix. If that cream works, all good, otherwise the lesions are removed. It’s a sort of safety first approach I guess.
Whilst I don’t mind the operations, there’s a point where scarring is becoming a problem. As the lesions get bigger, the scar (or procedure - flaps, grafts) gets more involved and impactful.
I’d therefore appreciate thoughts and advice on whether there are other treatments - other creams or laser treatment, that might reduce the frequency of the operations i’m having?
Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions
Hi Freddie1968 and a very warm welcome to the online community which i hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
I'm sorry to read that a side effect of Azathioprine is an increased risk of skin cancer and that you've had to have lots of procedures to remove these over the years.
I have only had a BCC removed by surgery, but this is a list of treatments for skin cancer (click on the links for more information):
Of course, your consultant is best placed to decide which is most appropriate for you, but it can be handy to go armed with a few alternatives to discuss with him or her.
x
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