In a surprising turn of events, a 57-year-old mother from Romford in London discovered that a freckle on her face was actually stage-four cancer. Kay Wootten initially visited doctors in 2018 when the mark appeared, and they diagnosed it as eczema. She was prescribed steroids and moisturizers to treat what was believed to be a skin condition. However, a biopsy conducted in June 2022 revealed that she had advanced melanoma.
Since then, Kay has been undergoing chemotherapy for the past year and has undergone surgery to prevent the cancer from spreading further. Reflecting on her experience, Kay expressed frustration, stating, “All this could have been prevented if they just listened to me when it started to change. My whole life has completely changed—I try to joke it off, but it’s really got me down.”
Kay first noticed the mark on her face in August 2018. During lockdown, her symptoms worsened as the freckle began to grow, itch, and bleed. Despite this, doctors continued to insist it was eczema. It wasn’t until 2022, after Kay insisted on a referral to a dermatologist, that she received the diagnosis of stage-four melanoma. Melanoma affects approximately 17,000 people in the UK each year.
Kay has since undergone multiple surgeries to remove tumors with unclear margins and cancer cells. Her thyroid was also removed as it tested positive for melanoma. She describes feeling ill constantly due to chemotherapy and expressed concerns about the impact the disease has on her family. She said, “You don’t realize how much it affects your family as well. It’s not just you involved; it’s your kids, and you miss out on so much because of it.”
Kay’s medical center and NHS North East London were contacted for comment, but there has been no response at the time of writing.
To help identify potentially cancerous moles, individuals can follow the ABCDE guidance:
– Asymmetry: Look out for moles with irregular shapes.
– Borders: Check for moles with jagged or irregular borders.
– Colour change: Seek medical advice if a mole changes color or has different colors within it.
– Diameter: Any increase in size should be checked, particularly moles larger than approximately 6mm.
– Elevation: Watch out for moles that are raised from the surface, especially if they are irregular or evolving over time.
It is essential to monitor moles for any suspicious or concerning changes and seek medical advice if necessary.
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