Basal Cell Skin Cancer

My derms take about 10 minutes and check every inch of skin. (and I do mean EVERY... like I have to lift parts and move bits so they can see everything) I have to get buck-nekkid for skin checks. They even look between my toes and other places where quite literally the sun don't shine. :eek:

Maybe it's because of my history that they are so very thorough, but I would want anyone going to a derm to have that kind of thoroughness.


If you guys don't like your derm, or feel there is something off about her, I hope you can get another one!

Knotted Yet, I think you get extra special attention:rolleyes: because of the melanoma history, because melanoma can show up just as easily where the sun don't shine...unlike bcc's, which are generally found on sun-exposed areas. I had a friend with a melanoma who told me the same thing about her very thorough skin checks...while I have to beg the doc to take a second look!

My mother had numerous BCC spots on her face, too many to burn off individually. They did a chemical type peel on her entire face. She is doing GREAT and looks better than ever.

Best Wishes.
Monica

Good luck to you and your partner, Lisa, and thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences. It's been very informative.

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Originally Posted by lunacycles

Knotted Yet, I think you get extra special attention:rolleyes: because of the melanoma history, because melanoma can show up just as easily where the sun don't shine...unlike bcc's, which are generally found on sun-exposed areas. I had a friend with a melanoma who told me the same thing about her very thorough skin checks...while I have to beg the doc to take a second look!

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I've had dermatologists check those unexposed areas, too. I guess I was lucky. My problem is it takes 3 months to get an appointment with one, and then they leave town or drop my insurance and I have to start all over again.

My gynecologist checks my entire body every year when I go in for a pap. I'm glad.

My dad gets bcc's, as well. fair skinned,growing up on the farm in rural Arkansas. Only one has come back squamous, but he stays out of the sun anyway.

Karen

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Originally Posted by itself

Her dermatologist is Dr. Jennifer Linder, and although her credentials are impressive, when she does a skin check in the office, she spends barely two minutes with you. Not impressed at all.
Lisa

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hi lisa - you are right to think that 2 minutes is unacceptable. i'm with the other responder in that mine checks everywhere. not exactly a FUN exam, but very necessary. she is checking IN places that no one has ever checked :eek: and pretty much no part of my body is left unchecked. she checks my scalp, asks that i don't wear nail polish, and everywhere else that you can possibly imagine!! this is your health and doctors should be taking the necessary time with their patients. you are wise for recognizing that and for wanting to go elsewhere.

also on the mohs' surgery - it is not painful and its more like plastic surgery so they take their time with you as well. they remove a small part and keep biopsying the area until there is no more cancer. i had to go back three times (waiting room to operating) in order for him to get it all and was there most of the day.

best of luck to you both!

Hi all,

The mohs surgery went well. She has stitches in for a week. The procedure itself was not uncomfortable, but the stitching a bit more as she could hear her stitch every time as it was right by her ear. I think it was more exhausting emotionally than anything.

I understand from the news that skin cancer is the number one cancer now. The dermatologist said no, we don't have to give up the beach. Her biggest piece of advice: Reapply every two hours. Wear a hat and spf clothing.

Lisa-

So glad everything is done, and it sounds like it went as well as can be expected!

I've learned to love floppy shirts and big hats - I actually think I stay cooler with them (I think of them as my personal shade). I also wanted to say thanks to everyone on this thread - I had a couple of spots I was worried about but had put off going to the doc. The spots were all fine, but I have a better idea of what to look for, and the peace of mind of knowing I'm OK for now.

I am really glad that the mohs surgery went well. Prognosis is excellent if the appropriate method of treatment is used in early primary basal cell cancers. The recurrence rate for the above treatment options ranges from 50 percent to 1 percent or less. Following the simple tips below will help yourself preventing skin cancer and avoiding the recurrence for your partner:

- Avoid the sun during the middle of the day
- Wear sunscreen year-round
- Wear protective clothing
- Avoid tanning beds
- Be aware of sun-sensitizing medications
- Check your skin regularly and report changes to your doctor.

It is my life style now. I go in once a year to see the Dr he does a topical cream treatment on my for a couple months when I am not in the sun or in public. I have a lot of pre cancerous spots that I have to stay on top of.
I use good sunblock now. Here is the latest on sunscreens. My husband keeps up with all this. This is a good place to compare sunscreens and find the best one's. Spend the extra money and NEVER buy from like Walgreens or any place like that. Your local health food store has great sunblocks. My favorite I use is Badger unscented. I use it on my kitties nose too. He doesn't react to the smell like he used to when I used bad sunblock.
Good luck and don't freak out. It is just something you have to add to your daily life and be more aware of.
Oh yea the link http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2012suns...20INC&seeall=1
You can look up the sunblock you already use and see how it rates.