dang...another "dab of cancer" - can a squamous skin cancer be from a kidney cancer??

I have heard of RCC metasasis to the skin. When the pathology was submitted to the pathology lab, they should have been told you have a history of RCC. I'm not clear if they didn't know that if they'd look for RCC or not or if the two look completely different.

I've had many friends with this type of skin cancer who did not have RCC. It's fairly common I think in people over 50.

You should ask your dermatologist if the pathologist was informed of your history. If not, it might be worth asking them to look again with your history in mind. Your dermatologist should know what to do. We hope!

You do need it treated. And I'd follow up on the pathology and the history because if it is a met, you might want more imaging/followup with an oncologist to make sure it hasn't spread anywere else.

Regards,

Todd

Interesting topic; I've recently found out I have Basel Cell. Having it removed in a few weeks.

I've heard about some connection with Melanoma & RCC. Similar bio-markers or something; 

There is a connection.  A recently discovered gene called BAP1.  Im in a study for it.  

adman said:

pathology - 2nd look...

one of the previous comments suggest that a 2nd look at the biopsy sample might be worthwhile with the info that 'we' had an RCC history. When they look at the biopsy it either looks like Basel Cell or it doesn't. If it was RCC wouldn't it look like that under the micoscope? Or look different than what the pathologist was expecting, to at least warrant a comment or a follow up question?  Or does Basel Cell/ other skin cancers look very similar to RCC? 

You're probably going to have to ask the doc/pathologist your question. I certainly don't know the answer. I know that the radiologists and pathologists are usually (supposed to be) given your history so they know what they are looking for. When kidney cells metastasize I think they can be so mutated that it can be hard to tell what they are and I believe I've heard of pathologists seeing biopsies and having a hard time telling what type of cancer it is. I think it'd be worthwhile just asking the dermatologist if your history of RCC was put on the sample that went to pathology. RCC isn't very common. I'm not sure all pathologists would be looking for that in skin samples. If your sample was looked at by a cancer center pathologist, I'd say the odds are higher that they'd know what to look for.

This is all very specialized topics. Why don't you ask your oncologist these questions?

Regards,

Todd

Good question,

I will be having a dermatologist consult for a couple of skin growths in February.  I have given it little thought, but perhaps I should be more serious about it?  I'll let everyone know if something develops from this. 

Jack C

They took three biopsy's yesterday, now back to the waiting game.  The only one I was really worried about was one that was on my lower lip.  Doctor said if the results are negative he would have my future appointment cancelled.  If I dont have to go back that is all the good news I need!

Skagway

During my husbands battle with RCC I met a woman from Texas who was also battling RCC.  She told me that her Father died of melanoma and she was on her way to NIH to discuss the possible link between melanoma and RCC. I shared that my husband had a similar story.  My husbands father died of melanoma and my husband had RCC. Now this will nag at me to look into it further with NIH. We have children and grandchildren who might need this information. If I learn anything more I will share with you all.

I can Comment on this on too.  My mother died of melanoma at 47.  Freaky

Kim

Biopsy return shows no cancerous cells. YEA!  I really hadnt been sweating this but its still is a relief.  I wasnt sweating it when they discovered my kidney tumour either.  

I hope this good news is replicated with everyone else.

Jack

hardo718 said:

Update on my biopsy

Came back negative.  The funny part: the nurse asked if it had come back yet ( it was a red scaly bump), I laughed and told her the biopsy site hadn't even healed completely yet.  It wasn't even a week!  She seemed shocked with my response.  Duh!  I thought it was healing pretty quickly, until I heard from her.

Donna~

Glad it came back negative. The interaction with the Nurse could be worse. When my wife went into the Maternity clinic with our second child who was nearly 3 weeks overdue she was told by the nurse that she had had the baby. When my Mrs pointed out the very large lump indicating thet she was, indeed, still very pregnant, the Nurse argued back pointing out where it said on the computer that she had been delivered of a child. 

Once its in the computer its true!