Firm white bump on nose

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Jenny1
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Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2012 11:55 pm
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by Jenny1 on Wed Sep 19, 2012 7:59 pm

Firm white bump on nose

Hi,
About seven months ago I noticed that the tip of my nose looked quite shiny.Then out of nowhere a white lump started to grow and it has continued to do so.It is firm to touch and is just over a centimetre in size now.I don't sunbathe and always wear a mosturiser with SPF.I'm in my thirties and am very fair skinned.Should I be worried about this?.Thank You.

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Dr Anton Alexandroff
Posts: 435
Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2012 9:11 am
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by Dr Anton Alexandroff on Wed Sep 19, 2012 8:49 pm

Re: Firm white bump on nose

HI

without examining it, it is impossible to say what it is, and whether it is a skin cancer or not.
Non melanoma skin cancers are rare in 30s but not unheard of.
You need to see your GP or a skin specialist to establish what it is.

with best wishes,
Dr Anton Alexandroff
Consultant Dermatologist, Honorary Senior Lecturer & BSF spokesperson - FRCP, CCT (Derm), PhD, FRSM, FAAD

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... ndroff.php

Jenny1
Posts: 43
Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2012 11:55 pm
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by Jenny1 on Fri Sep 21, 2012 3:17 pm

Re: Firm white bump on nose

Hi,
Thanks for the reply.I went to my GP who has a special interest in dermatology.She thinks that it is a basal cell carcinoma and has referred me to a dermatologist.What does this mean and what is likely to happen at that appointment?.Thank You.

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Nurse_Janet_Keyworth
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Joined: Sat Nov 13, 2010 8:28 pm
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by Nurse_Janet_Keyworth on Fri Sep 21, 2012 8:52 pm

Re: Firm white bump on nose

Hi Jenny
Your first consultation with the Dermatologist is very much like when you saw your GP. They will ask you how long the lump has been there, has it changed in colour, shape or size and has it bled. They will also ask about your sun exposure over the years, such as have you ever used a sun bed, what factor sun cream you use and any outdoor hobbies. They will then ask about your general health and ask if you are taking any tablets routinely as well as asking about family history and if anyone else has had skin cancer.
Once they have asked all the relevant questions they will then examine the lump using a lamp with a magnifying glass and at this point will measure the lump. Hopefully they will be able to tell you exactly what it is and if it requires any treatment. Unfortunatley sometimes you cannot be 100% sure what the lump is just by looking at it and therefore they may suggest taking a biopsy to confirm what it is. This is very minor surgery and usually done in the deprtment and done under a local aneasthetic and takes about 20 minutes. Usually another appointment is given for you to have this done although in some departments this can be done the same day.

I am not an expert in skin cancers I specialise in rashes although I agree with my colleague Dr Alexandroff that non-melanoma skin cancers are rare in someone in their 30's and I think the main thing is you have been referred to the appropriate people who will be able to give you a definate diagnosis.

I hope this has put your mind at rest as to what to expect.

Kind regards

Janet Keyworth
Janet Keyworth
Clinical Nurse Specialist

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Dr Anton Alexandroff
Posts: 435
Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2012 9:11 am
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by Dr Anton Alexandroff on Fri Sep 21, 2012 8:58 pm

Re: Firm white bump on nose

Hi,

well done for seeing your gp so soon!

first of all I would wait to see what your dermatologist says. It could be a typical basal cell carcinoma (BCC) from the first look, it could be typical something else benign or it may require a diagnostic biopsy - taking a small piece of skin from the lesion - to confirm what it is.
If it is basal cell carcinoma (or in lay terms rodent ulcer) you will probably be offered to have it excised.
Basal cell carcinoma is strictly speaking a skin cancer but does not behave like a cancer: It virtually never spreads and it does not kill patients. However if left untreated it tends to grow slowly over period of months and years and may ulcerate and bleed and be a nuisance. For this reason it is recommended to have it treated. There are different ways to treat BCC but on face it tends to be surgery.

you can look up more information about BCC here:
http://dermnetnz.org/
and
http://www.bad.org.uk/site/800/default.aspx

with best wishes,
Dr Anton Alexandroff
Consultan Dermatologist
Bedford and Leicester
http://www.alexandroff.org.uk
Dr Anton Alexandroff
Consultant Dermatologist, Honorary Senior Lecturer & BSF spokesperson - FRCP, CCT (Derm), PhD, FRSM, FAAD

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... ndroff.php

Jenny1
Posts: 43
Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2012 11:55 pm
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by Jenny1 on Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:55 pm

Re: Firm white bump on nose

Thank you for your kind replies.They made me feel a little less scared.

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