03/08/2023
Awareness Post:
I have recently been diagnosed with skin cancer. Solar Maligna Melanoma and as a result of my journey I now want to raise skin cancer awareness.
A tiny freckle appeared on my face 3 years ago.
Over the next three years it changed but it was very subtle and barely noticeable. I was very good at covering this lesion I had began to dislike.
It was very innocuous looking and was not raised it was “ just a mark “
When I returned from New Zealand this year I was aware that the lesion was darker and had increased in size.
I contacted my surgery and without being seen I was advised it was a benign skin lesion.
I, fortunately, thought I would seek a specialist opinion and went to the Nuffield privately..
Imagine my shock when I was told this innocent looking mark in my skin was I fact a skin cancer a melanoma. A condition that over time can spread with what could have been serious health consequences.
My surgeon was brilliant he made the diagnosis on our first meeting he arranged a date to remove the lesion a few days later.
I felt traumatised by my diagnosis but consider my self lucky that I followed my feeling that it could be sinister.
The last 3 weeks my scar has healed beautifully,
Thanks to the expertise of my incredible surgeon Mr Shuttleworth I found out yesterday from my histology results that his diagnosis had been correct and his prompt removal of the lesion has saved my life.
I now want people to be aware of Solar maligna melanoma it is a common skin cancer.
People with high exposure to sunshine and poor skin tanning are susceptible.
I have been enjoying sunshine holidays since 1970’s but I never dreamt I would get skin cancer.
My reason for raising awareness is to advise that if you have any lesions that have changed, and this was not a mole and was not even raised.
Please insist on being seen at your general practice,sending pictures is not good enough as you cannot diagnose a potentially life threatening lesion from a picture.
A specialist input is definitely required.
Unfortunately my own surgery did not offer to see me but because I wasn’t happy to leave it , I sought a private consultation and I am really pleased I did.
However I know not everyone can do this and nor should they have to.
Having had my first hand experience of a potentially life threatening skin cancer I will now, in my role as an advanced nurse practitioner in general practice , see all skin lesions and listen to my patients concerns.
I am three weeks post surgey and the good news is that my excellent surgeon has removed all the cells to a clear margin which effectively means he has cured my condition for me.
I consider myself very fortunate I listened to instinct and got help.
Todays NHS is very pressured and oversubscribed.
We must all advocate for ourselves. If there is a medical issue that is troubling you I am encouraging you to seek the appropriate help.
Di x