A woman was left horrified after doctors nearly cut off her nose as black growth took hold.
Catherine Joyes used to enjoy basking in the sunshine, using only a factor five protection.
Noticing a spot on her nose, she began to grow self-conscious and started covering it with plasters or avoid going out in public.
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Going to the doctor, she was told it was thought to be squamous cell carcinoma, a form of sun exposure cancer.
Horrifyingly, they recommended to remove the nose.
But the day before surgery, the surgeon realised it wasn’t cancer.
“I was so scared when the doctor suggested cutting off my nose, but I just wanted it gone,” Catherine, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, told Need To Know.
“I would have quite happily let them remove the entire thing at this point.
“It started off when I looked in the mirror and noticed a tiny spot, so I tried squeezing it.
“I was initially told to leave it for a week and if there was no change, I didn’t need to worry.
“But less than a week later, it had become so big that it took up half my nose.”
After an ENT doctor failed to withdraw any fluid, Catherine, who works as a compliance manager, was referred to dermatology to see a plastic surgeon and maxillofacial surgeon.
She added: “When I walked in, he asked instantly what was happening with my nose and performed an emergency biopsy while suggesting they cut off my nose and worry about rebuilding it later.”
Catherine had already battled with cancer in various shapes – including endometrial and ovarian cancer – due to suffering from Lynch syndrome.
This is a gene mutation also referred to as MSH2, which puts people at a higher risk of developing different cancers and tumours.
It caused the death of her cousin, uncle and grandfather.
On the day of her pre-op appointment for the removal of her nose, Catherine received shocking news.
The surgery had been cancelled, as the plastic surgeon had revisited her diagnosis.
Her growth was, in fact, a keratoacanthoma, a benign tumour that mimics skin cancer in those with sun damage.
She was told to leave the tumour to shrink for a month.
The core eventually fell out, leaving only a flap of skin that has since been shaved off.
Now, Catherine is sharing her story to raise awareness of the signs to look out for.
But she is also urging people to wear sunscreen when outside to protect themselves from the risk of tumours and skin cancer.
Catherine added: “I still enjoy sitting in the sun, but I am much more cautious and using nothing less than factor 30.
“If you are concerned about anything, spot or mole, that doesn’t look right; always seek medical advice.
“And always remember to take precaution when out in the sun, as it could cost your life.”
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