Anti tnf injections and skin cancer

Lisa1982
Lisa1982 Member Posts: 11
edited 7. Aug 2025, 07:34 in Living with arthritis

I have been taking anti tnf injections for nearly 2 years. I remember reading that there was an increased risk of skin cancer. I went to dr about a scaly patch on my leg and dr said it was fine but then after talking about other areas of concern she thinks I have basal cell carcinoma on my nose and I have been refered to dermatology. Does anyone know if they will stop my anti tnf medication because of this?

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  • PJoanne
    PJoanne Moderator Posts: 342

    Hello @Lisa1982

    I think the best thing to do is to seek some urgent advice about your medications. Either ring your rheumatology nurse/the dermatology dept or go to your local pharmacy and ask to speak to the pharmacist.

    Please do consider phoning the helpline team (numbers under my signature) , it's free and they are fab.

    all the best Joanne

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • stooperman
    stooperman Member Posts: 2

    Hello Lisa - i'd love to know how you got on. I went through the same thing but on an IL-17 drug. It turned out to be keratosis, though excision on the two-week pathway was still required before they could tell. Almost every question they asked me at dermatology was about the biologic, how long i'd been on it etc. I strongly suspect that rheumatology would absolutely have stopped or at least paused my treatment immediately if i'd told them, but I was so frightened I requested discharge instead.

    Best wishes and I really hope everything went well for you too Lisa.

  • Poppyjane
    Poppyjane Moderator Posts: 946

    Welcome @stooperman to the community

    Both you and @Lisa1982 have had worrying experiences and it is great that your first post is one of help and encouragement to another member. This is just what we are here for, to support each other and share our advice and life experiences in order to help others. So thank you.

    Best wishes

    Poppyjane

    If it would be helpful to talk to someone ring the Helpline 0800 5200 520

    Monday - Friday 9.00a.m. - 6.00p.m.

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