UK Skin Cancer and Melanoma Patients

[Bing]

Hi all
My first post, just wanted to see what other experiences people are having. Waiting on a follow-up appointment at the hospital for a check-up (last one was 2 years ago) on an existing mole on my back which has got slightly bigger (now 2cm) turned dark red and is itching like mad every day (its hard not to keep scratching it - and Im like a dog rubbing my back up against the door!!!). The doctor referred me, again, but I have to wait until the end of April.
I am of typical celtic origin, v.fair skin, reddish hair and burn always in the sun. I have used sunbeds in the past (Im 40 now!) and burnt a few times on foreign holidays. I also get a weird rash like welts on the back of my hands in the summer (abroad or at home) and this persists for weeks.
I would appreciate any advice. :

[sharon]

Dear Bing
Hello You will probably get more answers to your post in the general section that’s where most people post......... so I would repost your query so it is picked up by as many people as possible.

To put things in perspective so you dont worry to much I think that well over 2 million biopsies are being carried out each year and thankfully only 8,000 come back with MM (I wish it was less). However, as you have seen changes and it is so itchy I think you should go back and ask for an urgent referral re the mole on your back I don’t think it is acceptable to wait over four weeks to be seen I think that there is a 2 week urgent referral system that your GP can use.

The welts on your hand might be urticaria various types of extremely itchy and swollen red bumps or patches on the skin. These patches or hives may appear suddenly as a result of the body’s adverse reaction to certain allergens including the sun. The skin on any part of the body the hives that appear can vary in size and can last for only a few minutes or for several days. There are several different types of urticaria. Although the different types are all related, they do produce varying symptoms. I would get it checked with your doctor who could prescribe antihistamine for you.

[Bing]

Hi Sharon

Thanks a lot for your reply.

I will get another appointment with the GP but I hate being made to feel a pest going on about it.

The blisters/welts on my hands are only around the bony bits i.e. knuckles/finger joints/thumb bend but very disfiguring. And only on the backs of my hands. The GP has prescribed antihistimine before, no luck, they can last upwards of 1 month (then I have to stay indoors or go Michael Jackson - white gloves). Strange.

Thanks anyway -

Bing