should i be scared?

Lttlone · 12-25-2004, 07:21 PM

for the past couple of weeks i have been noticing that when i get out of the shower there is a reddish/pink circle about the size of a dime about an inch below my collarbone. but the thing is that i really only know it is there when i get out of the shower. i have also noticed that it is dry skin. not to the point of cracking but more like when it is winter and your legs get ashy. it isnt raised or anything just a flat area. i am getting pretty worked up about it and the doctors appointment wont be able to be for a week or so. i would appreciate it so much if someone could help or if you have any possibilities. thank you.

seriousperson · 12-26-2004, 04:48 AM

It could be something or it could be nothing.
For instance, it does sound similar to the early stages of a basal cell carcinoma I had removed.
But it also sounds like eczema or other benign skin conditions.
A dermatologist is the place to go to answer your question as to whether you 'should be scared.'

Lttlone · 12-26-2004, 05:52 PM

i am planning on making an appointment asap. just to be on the safe side. im going to try to keep looking for information on the internet in the mean time. if you dont mind me asking how long was it before you got it taken care of and how do they go about doing that. i know i sound a little paranoid but if you dont mind i would really appreciate the information. that you for replying it helped me out alot to know what some possibilities are. thank you again.

seriousperson · 01-06-2005, 02:19 AM

It was actually more than a year before it was treated. Oddly, dermatologists were hesitant; I guess because basal cell cancers are often harmless, and on the face, removal can leave scars.

I had the first one biopsied, which left only a temporary scar. Then, when the biopsy showed it was a basal cell carcinoma, I was given a cream called Aldara to apply. It didn't have any effect. So I was sent to a plastic surgeon, who sent me to a MOHS surgeon.

I can relate to your fear, because I am like that too. The MOHS surgery was very traumatic for me. Now I'm seeing a different dermatologist recommended by someone at work with the same kinds of basal cell cancers. He gave me a stronger cream, Efudex, and it seems to be working. He offered to freeze the spots, saying it would work faster than the cream. But he also respected my wish to use the cream so I could have a feeling of control of the situation.

Of course, yours may just be eczema or seborrhea keratosis (I have a spot of that, too).

A good place to search online is PubMed, a government clearinghouse of professional medical information based on sound research methods. It is at this address:
[url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez[/url]
I am paranoid enough that I keep in mind that in the 1800's respected, professional doctors used leeches to suck toxins out of sick people. So I always try to notice how my body seems to respond to the treatment of the day. I'm not done healing from the Efudex, so my personal jury is still out on it.

"Planning" on making the appointment is a good start. Now, if you can just do it.

Probably the doctor will just look at it and give an opinion. If he or she does want to biopsy or freeze the area, you can always say that you're not ready to do it that day. Or you may decide right there that you will feel better if the doctor does treat it.
It does seem, though, that you will gain some measure of relief in just getting a medical opinion, and also from not feeling the pressure of that nagging self to get the appointment.

Okay, and now I have an appointment to make myself for something else.