weird skin lesion on shin

smiler · New User Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 9 Location: Ireland

I have had a skin lesion on my shin for 3 months,initially docs said it was an ulcer.
Having finally seen my own gp,he has suggested it is not an ulcer but a suspicious skin lesion.
It is roughly the size of an old ten pence,raise above surrounding skin and completely circular,it oozes a green discharge.
I have had six courses of antibiotics with no positive results.
My gp has now suggested that I take one last course of antibiotics to try and clear up any infection,he will then refer me to skin specialist.
I am fair skinned but have never used tanning beds,and I avoid the sun.
Id be grateful for any input.

brainman · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 4:27 am Post subject: Re: weird skin lesion on shin

Hi smiler,

It sounds like your gp is following an appropriate course. If the antibiotic does not clear the lesion, get a referral to a dermatologist and make sure he orders a biopsy of the lesion. The green discharge is the reason the doctors think it is an infection. Regardless of what they call it (ulcer, lesion, infection), if the antibiotic does not work, it should be biopsied. Keep us informed.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

Jim_Hall · Regular Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 48

I'm not saying it's melanoma, because the can only definitively be diagnosed with a biopsy, but I had a nodular melanoma and they are usually round. There can be various symptoms, like itching, bleeding, oozing, crusting, ulceration, etc. I also have fair skin and have never used a tanning bed. I would just continue to follow up with the doctors, if it doesn't clear up with the antibiotic I would suggest seeing a dermatologist for a biopsy.

smiler · New User Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 9 Location: Ireland

There is a long waiting list at local hospital,anything up to a year to see dermatoligist(nhs).
I think I will probably arrange a private appointment especially as I am now on my seventh course of antibiotics.
Despite all the antibiotics it remains infected(centre of lesion has green oozing from it),I have pain especially at night or walking distances(like nettle stings)
I have to keep it covered otherwise it bleeds even just with contact of clothes.

In · Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 3:49 am Post subject: Re: weird skin lesion on shin

Smiler,

Don't wait! Do what you have to do, to get it seen too. Even bypass the dermatoligist(nhs) , and have it removed, then they can do a biopsy and know what it is.

I'm a BeautyTherapsit and have had alot of training with different skin lesions. I strongly recommend to have this removed- biopsy asap.

Please let us know what you decide to do- and how it goes.

Inica. Very Happy

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Thinking of you Inica

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In · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 5:55 am Post subject: Re: weird skin lesion on shin

hi- How is things? Give us an update on things if you wish.

Inica
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

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smiler · New User Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 9 Location: Ireland

Waiting list for skin specialist at local hospital is up to a year,apparently hospital dont have a skin unit,just a visiting specialist every few weeks.

Thankfully though I have been offered an urgent appointment at a teaching hospital,much further away but I dont mind that.
Anyway urgent appointment is for 12th November,still seems a long way away but at least its an appointment.

As for the lesion,its just exactly the same,hasnt grown further but remains painful(like stinging nettles pain).Im remaining positive though.

In · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 8:34 pm Post subject: Re: weird skin lesion on shin

Good keep the positive attitude up. At least it hasn't changed Confused

Gotten worse or bigger etc. (sometimes the small things like no change, means the world).

Keep us updated on how you go. Smile

Inica
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

smiler · New User Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 9 Location: Ireland

In,thank you for your response,it means a lot.
Off on my hols for a week.

smiler · New User Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 9 Location: Ireland

Have appointment on Monday with skin specialist.
My gp doesnt think its sinister just very unusual,reckons I will be in medical journals.
Id just like it gone,fed up having to wear dressings to prevent it bleeding(without dressings,slightest bump makes it bleed).

brainman · Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 4:04 pm Post subject: Re: weird skin lesion on shin

After a loooong wait, the date is drawing near. I am glad for you. Whether or not it is cancer, you need to have it removed if it is bleeding that easily.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope it is not cancerous.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

smiler · New User Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 9 Location: Ireland

thank you for kind words.
Im not nearly as anxious as I was.
Will let you know how things go.

smiler · New User Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 9 Location: Ireland

Had biopsy today,will know in three weeks whether its cancerous or not.
For now they are treating the infection with silver nitrate dressings.
Apparently lesion is 2 cm in width and 4mm in depth,havent a clue whether this is good or bad,just looking forward to being rid of this lesion.

brainman · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 4:23 pm Post subject: Re: weird skin lesion on shin

Was the lesion 4mm deep or is that how deep they cut to be sure they removed all of it? That makes a big difference when staging skin cancers. It should be on the pathology report. Ask for a copy of it from your oncologist.

Best wishes.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

In · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 8:35 pm Post subject: Re: weird skin lesion on shin

Good luck- i have fingers, and toes crossed for you. Laughing

Let us know when you can.
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

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