Forget the awful watch shot, is there a Doctor in the house?!

Spike · Nov 10, 2015

JimInOz
I had a small spot on my ear just like that which wouldn't go away.
The dead skin layer kept coming off but it wouldn't "heal".
My GP sent me to a dermatology specialist who did a biopsy. Called the next day and suggested surgery to remove an active skin cancer (forget what it was called).

It took two goes under general anaesthetic, a week or two with a drain for the skin grafts and my head bandaged like a deranged Sikh.

Go and see somebody qualified is the best non-qualified advice I can offer.

Yep, so just to tidy up what happened with this and after receiving 2 PM's from 2 of 'our own' doctors here on the forum (how nice was that), the 'spot' is Actinic Keratosis which left untreated might turn into something more sinister than it is at the moment.

I'm using a prescribed gel which is applied twice a day to the area and within a couple of months it should be cleared up.......obviously if it hasn't I shall be looking into alternative treatments.

Stewart H
Good news Spike but how the hell did you get a doctor's appointment, round these parts, so quickly. Most people die of old age before they get to see my doctor.

It's the way with our surgery as well Stewart, just struck lucky with a cancellation 5 mins before I walked in otherwise I was looking at an appointment in 2 weeks time. The NHS is great but just make sure you leave yourself plenty of time if you plan on needing it!

Fox143 · Nov 10, 2015

JiminOz, you most likely had a basal cell carcinoma. They are a little different that what Spike has. They probably did a MOH's surgery to make sure all the cancer was gone. Be sure that a good skin check is part of your regular physical. Many docs overlook skin and it is our largest organ. Skin cancer is most common type of cancer (although not the deadliest). Be sure and get a prostate check- just to keep us all humble[emoji16].

Spike · Nov 10, 2015

Fox143
JiminOz, you most likely had a basal cell carcinoma. They are a little different that what Spike has. They probably did a MOH's surgery to make sure all the cancer was gone. Be sure that a good skin check is part of your regular physical. Many docs overlook skin and it is our largest organ. Skin cancer is most common type of cancer (although not the deadliest). Be sure and get a prostate check- just to keep us all humble[emoji16].

It's good this isn't it.......do you do house calls?

Fox143 · Nov 10, 2015

For the right price (or right watch)- you bet I do house calls. I don't take the NHS insurance though.[emoji12]

CdnWatchDoc · Nov 10, 2015

Good to hear Spike! I like to hear that all is well. That topical stuff should clear it up nicely after a few weeks.
@Fox143 is absolutely right, get your skin checked at least once a year. Take a phone with anything that looks suspicious (anything on the skin that changes shape, colour or size), and make your doc take a look.

Just to be clear: Mohs surgery is named after Dr. Fred Mohs, who developed it back in 1938. I think your autocorrect should be corrected!

CdnWatchDoc · Nov 10, 2015

Fox143
Be sure and get a prostate check- just to keep us all humble[emoji16].

For the right price (or right watch)- you bet I do house calls. I don't take the NHS insurance though. [/QUOTE
Hmm, not sure that I go public with that-home based prostate tests....😲