skin cancer - Cancer: Skin Message Board

M.Joy · 10-20-2002, 09:02 AM

On 10/16 I had a biopsy done for a sore behind my knee, I have to wait for the results for two weeks. I am worried because I'm not sure how long it's been there. A year ago when I first noticed it, my doctor said it was ringworm....and I thought, "How on earth, did I get that??" Three weeks ago, she said it was a dry patch of skin and gave me an ointment. After a week, it was still there so I went to a dermatologist. He thinks it's basal cell carcinoma.I am very afraid. It's all I think about.

hilstep · 10-20-2002, 11:34 AM

2 wks seems a long time to have to wait for results.

I had melanoma, and it had been around for some time maybe 2 years. I'm okay btw .. it was in relatively early stage. I believe that basal cell carc. is not as bad... it is v. v. scary though.
When I found out abt my dx, I hopped on the net to learn something abt melanoma. The info freaked me out more, but I think it was impt for me to gather as much info as I could.
Ultimately though, I did what you are already doing... going with my instinct, and actually went for a second opinion re tx options despite feeling in crisis. So so so glad I did... ended up with a great plastic and onc. surgical team .... moral of the story: keep on trusting your gut shd biopsy come back pos, and abt any weird skin thing in the future. Hang in there.

1Dove · 10-20-2002, 11:51 AM

You did the right thing by getting it checked out. Do not worry, if it is basal cell, it does not spread to other organs in the body, just locally on the skin. If they find that it is basal cell, you will go back in and have more of the surrounding skin removed, and that will take care of it. The skin cancer that you have to worry about is melanoma. The other two types, basal cell and squamous, cell very seldom spread beyond the surface of the skin.

M.Joy · 10-20-2002, 02:54 PM

Thank you hilstep and 1Dove...I feel better, but naturally still afraid. I have been on the net constantly. I have put various things on it since the biopsy was taken in hopes it will go away before I go back. And you are right 2 weeks seems like a long wait, but the nurse said that's how long it takes. Makes one wonder where they send it out to. Thank you again, you have made me hopeful.