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Basal Cell Carcinoma on Leg
Hello, I was just diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma on my leg. I did not know I had it until I had ongoing pain in my calf that began during covid. When I was seen by the doctor after re-opening, I told her I was worried about a blood clot but she ruled that out. She asked about a lesion on my leg that I had been told by a dermatologist 15 years ago in my 30's that it was "absolutely nothing and didn't need to be followed". She sent me for a biopsy that came back as basal cell carcinoma. The dermatologist who did the biopsy said that maybe years ago it was "nothing" but it had recently changed. My main worry is that the pain in my calf is a sign that it has spread to the lymph nodes. Is there any other reason why basal cell carcinoma would cause pain if it was not being caused by spread to lymph nodes? Following the biopsy, I feel a substantial relief in the pain which makes me think it was pressing on something.
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From my understanding some basal cell lesions can become itchy or painful as they begin and/progress because of the changes in the skin surrounding them. During a discussion with my dermatologist, she explained that because it’s an abnormality in skin, our immune system reacts to the site, sending specialized blood cells, eosinophils, which can cause itching because of the histamine reaction. Mine was itchy… Did you have the subcutaneous tumor removed? Has the pain gotten any better?
I haven't had anything deleted yet, because... It’s very difficult for me to communicate with doctors, because... I am currently in Switzerland and do not speak Italian. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow. I myself am from Ukraine, but we are at war, so I am temporarily in another country. I am 37 years old and I am very worried because... I have a child and a wife whom I love very much.
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2 ReactionsOh my gosh, @eugen1205 I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve had to flee your home country of Ukraine. That senseless war weighs heavily in my heart daily as you all face unimaginable stress, uncertainty, loss and hardships because of it. I wish for you, your family and fellow Ukranians, peace and the ability to return to your country in this new year…to regain normalcy in your lives.
I’m glad to hear that you’re able to see a doctor tomorrow to give you peace of mind. Basal Cell carcinoma can take a very long time to progress as it usually grows very slowly. I had my ‘spot’ for many years before it was removed. The area was checked at every annual physical but it didn’t raise any red flags for the doctor. When it began to change 2 years ago, I insisted on a biopsy. It did come back as positive for Basal Cell…and it was removed by a Punch Excision. My scar is minimal and there is no recurrence of the cancer. The itching is gone.
This seems to be pretty routine for removal of that type of skin cancer if it’s small. There are other procedures as well if needed to ensure that the margins are clean after the damaged tissue is removed. I’m posting a link to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, which talks about the types of Basal Cell Carcinoma and treatments for them.
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/bcc/symptoms
I know, any time we hear the word cancer, we tend to fear the worst. It’s human nature. But usually, as I mentioned earlier, this type of cancer is slow to spread and most likely will be pretty easy to remove for you.
You’ll also want to make sure you avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear sunscreen and protective clothing if you are out in the sun.
Good luck with your appointment tomorow. I hope translating isn’t difficult for you and your doctor. Will you let me know what you find out, please?
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1 ReactionThank you very much for your words of support, it’s really very difficult for us now, because... we lost our house and everything we had, we simply dressed the child, took documents and left home, in the hope that we would return there soon, but after 2 weeks, a rocket flew into our house and we had no place to return. Now it’s very difficult for us in a foreign country, but the main thing is that we stayed alive. Thank you again for your words of support, we really appreciate it.
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3 Reactions@eugen1205, I know what it is like to not speak the language when seeking medical consultation in another country. One feels vulnerable enough when worried about a health issue. It is a lot of extra work to deal with translation etc.
Luckily many people in Switzerland speak multiple languages and most doctors have a high proficiency in English. Your English is very good.
Here are a couple of tools that may help.
- use Google translate to support your communication
- ask if the doctor or hospital provides translation services. While single doctor practices may not, many hospitals offer free translation services.
- bring along a friend who speaks both Italian and Ukranian
@loribmt has given you a lot of helpful information. Perhaps you could prepare your questions and then use Google translate to show them to the doctor if English isn't a common language for you both.
I'm glad that you are having this looked at. Have you seen this doctor before?
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2 ReactionsThank you for the tip, that’s what I planned to do, I’ll use Google translator. I haven’t been to this doctor yet, I had a video consultation with my doctor from Ukraine and he strongly recommended that I see the doctor in person.
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3 ReactionsHello, @eugen1205 I can’t even begin to fathom the agony you and your family have endured throughout this horrible ordeal. Having to literally flee your home and your country in the blink of an eye is terrifying. You and your wife are incredibly brave and did what was necessary in order to save your little child. You’re safe now but the emotional, mental and financial cost of this has to be enormous. Are your other family members safe too?
I’m thinking about you this morning and hope everything went well at the doctor’s appointment for you…wishing only good news for you! Were you able to communicate/translate everything ok?
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1 ReactionHello Lori, I am very pleased that you remember and worry about me. Thanks to the LORD GOD, everything went well for me. It turned out that I have ordinary eczema. I thank all the forum participants who took part in solving my problem and wish everyone good health.
Best wishes Kandybka Eugen.
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3 ReactionsAw, Kandybka, This is wonderful news today! I’m so happy for you that your appointment went well and the area on your leg wasn’t cancerous. Now you can exhale and at least put this out of your mind!! You didn’t need anymore stress added to your life right now. ☺️
Your story has really touched my heart…it’s unforgettable. It brought a human factor to the plight of so many people caught up in these horrific wars. My husband and I watch the news daily and get so emotional over the devastation inflicted on innocent people. If we could wish for anything and have it come true, it would be peace. I hope you and your family find some joy and comfort during this holiday season and best wishes for a much happier and hopeful new year. Hugs to you!
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1 ReactionThank you very much for your support. Perhaps fate will bring us together and we will be able to see each other in person. We want to try to move to the USA, because many of our friends have already moved and were satisfied. Of course, we all want to return home, to our Ukraine, but unfortunately, I don’t think that this will be possible soon, and there’s nowhere else to go, because the house was destroyed, the business that I built for years was lost. Switzerland is a wonderful country, but it is one of the most expensive countries and it is very difficult for us here. I cannot realize myself in this country, because... we have very limited rights and the laws are very strict.
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