Connect
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.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Support Group.
Connect
@mermaid7272 I have a similar question (just posted it in a comment) about does a whatever turn into cancer or was it always cancer, etc.?
Hope you are doing well.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@kjacko I think you chose well. Good luck
@beneah77 Thanks and same to you👍
@lr My assorted cancers were always cancers. I think & hope that answers your question. Sorry for such an obtuse answer!
I seem to have some bad luck with health problems in the past few years. They are all different types of ills that don't appear to be related, however I know that is not the case.
@lr : that's a very good question and one reason routine skin checks are so important. Basal and squamous cell carcionomas sometimes arise from precancerous spots referred to as actinic keratosis. These present as scaly, rough, crusty patches or bumps and can range in color from brown to pink or red. They're usually treated by cryotherapy (freezing by a special medical instrument), curretage (scraping with a medical instrument) laser (light therapy) or topical lotions (creams applied to the affected area).
Does that help to explain?