would like info on skin cancer

[Guest guest]

My mother (75 y/o) has had a sore on her leg for 6 years, which started as a

small cut that wouldn't heal. She had 2 vein strippings in that leg when in her

30's so there have been circulatory deficiency as she's gotten older.

Last week a biopsy was *finally* done and came back positive for cancer. (my

parents didn't tell me what type). Her surgery is this coming Tues.

Is there any info or site that would have info on this? and also if left

untreated for 6 years, even the least invasive type, how far can this spread- I

assume it could do that.

Mom said that the surgery would only involve the skin and no chemo would be

needed. My dad said the doctor would also be looking down around the muscle.

Why I'm a bit more concerned is that she has lost at least 15 or more pounds in

the last 6-8 months, has been looking tired and weak, and some what frail. Plus

her color wasn't as good as it usually is when we saw her a few weeks ago. She

said she's been on a diet, but it seems she's taken the weight off in a fairly

short period of time, knowing how difficult it is for her to lose any weight at

all.

I don't like to even say this, but the last I saw her, she looked like my

mother-in-law did right before her cancer was diagnosed.

I'm probably reading more into this, but after being let go for 6 years seems to

be a long time. Though I do also understand that some cancers are very slow

growing.

Dad tried to remember what it was called, but couldn't think of it, other than

it's a cancer similar to the one he had removed on his face. He said that kind

is common in elderly. Both of my parents have been in very good health & take no

medications. The only thing mom has is fibro, and possibly EDS. -Dad's the one

with EDS for sure.)

Thanks for any info.

[Guest guest]

, would this be Melanoma??? (skin cancer)

Love Lana

[Guest guest]

,

Any word yet on your mothers skin cancer diagnosis?

There are several types of cancer that start in the skin. The most common

are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer.

Skin cancer is more common in people with light colored skin who have spent

a lot of time in the sunlight. Skin cancer can occur anywhere on your body,

but it is most common in places that have been exposed to more sunlight,

such as your face, neck, hands, and arms.

Skin cancer can look many different ways. The most common sign of skin

cancer is a change on the skin, such as a growth or a sore that won't heal.

Sometimes there may be a small lump. This lump can be smooth, shiny and waxy

looking, or it can be red or reddish brown. Skin cancer may also appear as a

flat red spot that is rough or scaly.

Melanoma is a disease of the skin in which cancer (malignant) cells are

found in the cells that color the skin (melanocytes). Your skin protects

your body against heat, light, infection, and injury. It is made up of two

main layers: the epidermis (the top layer) and dermis (the inner layer).

Melanocytes are found in the epidermis and they contain melanin, which gives

the skin its color.

Melanoma is a more serious type of cancer than the more common skin cancers,

basal cell cancer or squamous cell cancer, which begin in the basal or

squamous cells of the epidermis.

Melanoma can spread (metastasize) quickly to other parts of the body through

the lymph system or through the blood.

Jill