could this be a scalp met?

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Alyad
Alyad Member Posts: 817
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I have had a tender spot on my scalp for about 5 months-  I pick at it and can't leave it alone, it seems like seborreaic dermatitis, I have had occasional issues with my scalp in the past - usually when I somehow irritated my scalp I would have some dandruff flakiness at the spot for awhile. I used T sal shampoo on it for awhile and it didn't do anything. I tried wearing a bandana on my head for a couple weeks to see if it would heal if I stopped picking at it. I used grapefurit seed extract on it and that seemed to help but it came back when I stopped using it.

 I have an apt with my onc in a month, I will bring it up then

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited December 2010

    I'm still new to this but breast cancer usually spreads to bones, lungs, liver, or brain. Sounds like some kind of skin issue but should be checked out. Skin cancer I guess is a possibility but I doubt it's mets from breast cancer.

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  • Jayne_in_UK
    Jayne_in_UK Member Posts: 517
    edited December 2010

    Alyad the only person I know who has scalp mets from bc is an Aunt of mine. Hers look like small cysts on her scalp, not like the spot you describe. Certainly check it out with your onc though and I hope that will put your mind at rest and it can be cleared up.

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  • SandyAust
    SandyAust Member Posts: 393
    edited December 2010

    Hi Alyad,

    Scalp mets are possible but probably unlikely. I don't want to freak you out, but I would be much more concerned about skin cancer.  I suggest seeing a dermotologist as soon as possible. I wouldn't wait a month. It probably isn't skin cancer, but you don't want to waste any time if it is.  Please get it checked as soon as you can.

    Best wishes and take care.

    Sandy

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  • SandyAust
    SandyAust Member Posts: 393
    edited December 2010

    Hi Alyad,

    I just thought I would add, that if you can't get into a dermatologist quickly get your GP or primary physcian (sorry I am Australin so not sure of your terminolgy) to look at it.

    Sandy

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  • TammyLou
    TammyLou Member Posts: 740
    edited December 2010

    I recommend that you go see a dermatologist.

    (I learned this the hard way.)

    Post-chemo, my immune system is not real great...and I was freaked out and I let my scalp condition progress to the point where my hair was falling out.

    Denial!  Yes. 

    It could be scalp mets...but, it is probably not.  (Like in the 99% probably not.) 

    Most likely, you need to see a dermatologist....not the onc.

    tl

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  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited December 2010

    thanks for your replies everyone. I am planning on seeing my PCP very soon for some other things so I will show it to her and see what she thinks. Like I've said I've had spots like this before, they just haven't lasted nearly this long. The spot in question is only about quarter sized or so- no hair loss- just tender and creates a crust of sorts in a couple spots which I pick at (OCD- can't help it!) For a few weeks I tried keeping my head covered so I couldn't easily pick at it and it still didn't heal.

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited December 2010

    might be psoriasis.. my son has spots on his scalp.

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  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited December 2010

    Apple,

    thanks- I did a little research on psoriasis and it seems to fit. I will still ask my doctor about it. the main trigger that induced me to ask is I had a dream that it was mets- think I just repress worries and they come out in my dreams.

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  • Mantra
    Mantra Member Posts: 968
    edited December 2010

    I had basal cell carcinoma on my scalp. The surgeon said it was very likely caused by not wearing a hat when I'm outdoors. The surgery was a breeze and basal cell does not spread so it's not a huge concern.

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