My mom moved her arm while the dermatologist gave her a shot to numb her skin on her arm for biopsy where new growth about a centimeter high is growing. It's growing in same area she had squamous cell carcinoma was removed 3 years ago. When mom moved, so did the needle and she bled. Dermatologist said he didn't want to hurt her further so did not biopsy. I know it's skin cancer again and want to remove it, or should I? I don't want her dying from a cancer that could be prevented. I would feel guilty for not taking care of it for her and preventing her from dying of cancer. Dermatologist gave a prescription that shrinks the growth, but said it would take 6 months, and he said if the growth is skin cancer, which I believe it is since it's growing from the spot where she had it before. He said it's slow growing, whatever that means. She has a primary doctor appointment coming up. Should I request something she can take to calm her down to do the biopsy and/or go to a different dermatologist to get this growth removed? Good or bad idea? My mom's 82.
https://moffitt.org/cancers/squamous-cell-carcinoma/diagnosis/stages/
A man in my mother's ALF had cancer on his nose which his son insisted on having removed. The man was in his 90s but had no dementia. The surgery was harrowing for him, and required chemo treatments afterward, which the son regrets ever signing him up for. The poor man was sick as a dog and disfigured from the surgery, then wound up dying because he just couldn't rebound from the whole ordeal.
I tell you this because there are many things to consider with cancer surgeries for elders, especially with dementia. If there are bandages afterward, chances are she'll try to rip them off. If there is chemo or radiation required afterward, needless to say, it's a mistake to take that route. And last but not least, taking ANY life saving measures for a dementia patient is questionable in the first place. Hospice is a better alternative if she's far enough along. My mother benefited from the comfort care she got from hospice and was able to spend her last months of life in peace as a result of their care. It was a blessing to keep her out of the hospital and away from surgeons and testing equipment, honestly.
Best of luck to you
My mom's dermatologist also gave her a cream to apply to a squamous cell facial cancer AFTER it was biopsied and there were only edges left.
hope this gives you a different perspective on things.
Best wishes
I am having to decide if treatments for some things are worse than the issues. Several times our PCP who is also a geriatrician has asked me... ok, if we run that test and find out it is positive... do we really want to put my husband through the treatment, surgery, etc. Right now he has a hernia and the cardiologist would not approve general anesthesia unless it becomes emergency. I now have to be prepared, if he does have an emergency that needs general anesthesia, whether it is appropriate or not. My mom had been told she should never have general anesthesia again but later had an aortic aneurysm and had no choice but surgery and fortunately she came through it fine, so I know no one knows the best answer ahead of time.
I'm thinking skin cancer surgery may not be risky overall but with dementia consider the recovery... trying to keep her from pulling bandages off, picking at it before it heals, etc. Each issue needs to be considered from every angle before proceeding, unfortunately with some issues only hindsight can be 20/20. As I said, her PCP may give you the best insight to make your decision.
How would mom do with a wound on her arm? Will she leave it alone or pick at it?
Will this be done with local anesthesia or a general anesthesia? General anesthesia is VERY difficult for persons with dementia and they often do not return cognitively to the "baseline", it can take months if they do.
Would you consider any other treatment if needed? Chemo? radiation? (I know a slim chance but gotta ask the question)
Most skin cancers are slower growing.
If it is causing her no pain or discomfort now I personally would leave it alone.
Sorry to be blunt about this...
Your mom will die. Most likely she will die from the Alzheimer's before she would die from skin cancer.
**side note here about the medication that was prescribed to shrink the growth. Look at the side effects that it has. Depending on what the medication is just leaving the growth alone might be your best option. ALL medications have side effects.**
My Mom had "slow growing" bladder cancer for many years, plus a blood cancer. Her doctors both told me that she wouldn't die from this, it would be from something else. Sure enough, it was complications from a serious fall that took her at 98 years old.
I would question the dermatologist as to the future risk of having that skin cancer. Also ask your Mom's primary doctor for advise. And be calm around your Mom, I know it may not be easy, as she may be sensing your fear.
Freezing works for suspicious spots close to the surface, but not deeper cancers.
Dad has used the Chemo cream several times, it does have some side effects, so its use needs to be monitored too.