A MUM-OF-TWO has shared shocking images of her reconstructed nose after it was ravaged by skin cancer.
Elizabeth Williams said she visited her GP numerous times over a period of two and a half years.
Elizabeth Williams visited her GP due to issues on her nose, she is pictured above months after surgerySWNS
SWNSThe 60-year-old is sharing shocking images of her nose in order to raise awareness around skin cancer[/caption]
The 60-year-old said she was suffering with lesions on her nose, as well as scabbing and bleeding.
Initially, she was referred to a dermatologist where she received treatment.
But in May 2019, she changed GP and was referred to a clinic where she underwent a biopsy.
Then in September, the assistant manager was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer, on her left nostril.
This is a form of cancer that begins in the basal cell and appears as a small, shiny pink or pearly-white lump with a translucent or waxy appearance. It can also look like a red, scaly patch, the NHS states.
Elizabeth underwent surgery, including reconstruction of her nostril, ear skin flap, radiotherapy and de-bulking revision surgery.
“Hearing that I had cancer is a moment I’ll never forget.
”I had been to the doctor more than once about my nose, but not for one minute did I ever think it was something that serious.
“When I was given my diagnosis, I was devastated. As it had been there for some time, I was also worried that it might have spread.
“I’ve been left with facial scarring due to the surgery, and also had to have part of my nose reconstructed which was really distressing to go through,” Elizabeth, from Dorchester, Dorset said.
While she is cancer free, Elizabeth is constantly worried that the illness will come back.
She said the whole experience has really taken a toll on her mental health and also knocked her confidence.
“At the same time, I’m so grateful to still be here and thankful for the support I’ve had.
”I know nothing will change what’s happened, but I want to make others aware of what to look out for when it comes to skin cancer.
“I also need some answers; I feel like it’s the least I deserve,” she added.
The signs of basal cell carcinoma you need to know
THE NHS states that basal cell carcinoma usually appears as a small, shiny pink or pearly-white lump.
Guidance states that it will usually have a translucent, waxy appearance.
It can also look red like a slay patch, and may have brown or black pigments with the patch.
The lump will slowly get bigger and may become crusty, bleed or develop into a painless ulcer.
Basal cell carcinoma does not usually spread to other parts of the body, the NHS adds.
When Elizabeth first started struggling with her symptoms in 2017, she was prescribed a cream to use for four weeks.
She states that she was given no further advice on what to do if her condition got worse.
Following her diagnosis, she has instructed medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care and whether more could have been done to diagnose and treat her cancer sooner.
Alice Webster, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Elizabeth, said: “The last few years have been incredibly difficult for Elizabeth as she struggled to come to terms with her diagnosis.
“Understandably, she also has a number of concerns over whether more could have been done to diagnose and treat her cancer sooner, given that she had attended GP appointments on various occasions regarding the lesion on her nose.
“While nothing can make up for what Elizabeth has been through, we’re now investigating her concerns to provide her with the answers she deserves.
“Sharing her story as part of World Cancer Day also gives Elizabeth the opportunity to raise awareness around the signs and symptoms of skin cancer.
“If people are concerned about their symptoms it’s vital they seek medical advice at the earliest opportunity. Early detection and treatment are key to beating cancer.”