| Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS website. |
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| Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives. |
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Tests And Next StepsMain test for non-melanoma (excision biopsy)If a GP refers you to a specialist because they think you could have non-melanoma skin cancer, you'll have tests to check for cancer. The specialist will check your skin and ask you about any changes you've noticed. They may use a magnifying device that lets them look at the skin more closely. The specialist may also recommend having a small area of affected skin cut out so it can be sent to a lab and checked for cancer. This is known as an excision biopsy. Find out moreGetting your resultsYou should get the results of the excision biopsy within 2 weeks. They will be sent to the GP or the hospital where you had the procedure. Try not to worry if your results are taking longer than you expect. It does not mean anything is wrong. You can call the hospital or GP if you're worried. They should be able to update you. A specialist will explain what the results mean and what will happen next. You may want to bring someone with you for support. If you're told you have non-melanoma skin cancerBeing told you have non-melanoma skin cancer can feel overwhelming. You may be feeling anxious about what will happen next. It can help to bring someone with you to any appointments you have. A group of specialists will look after you throughout your diagnosis. Your team will include a clinical nurse specialist, who will be your main point of contact during and after treatment. You can ask them any questions you have. Get supportMacmillan has a free helpline that's run by trained cancer information advisers. The helpline is open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Call 0808 808 00 00. Find out more about the Macmillan Support Line Next stepsIf you have been told you have non-melanoma skin cancer, you may have some more tests to see how deep the cancer is and how far it's spread (called staging). Tests you may have include: You may not need these tests. It depends on the type of non-melanoma skin cancer you have. The most common type, called basal cell carcinoma (BCC), rarely spreads to other areas of the body, so more tests are only needed if it's very large. A less common type called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) sometimes spreads, so tests may be needed. The test results will help your specialist decide what treatment you need. Find out more |
| OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic. | | |
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