Dermatology question?

[AnnieBikes]

I, too, am very fair and had multiple sun burns as a child and teen. Now I use sunblock whenever I am outside. I have had several procedures to remove basal cell cancers from various areas of this aging body! I used to go to a dermatologist, but he would "biopsy" the lesion and then have me come back a second time to remove whatever it was. Ridiculous. I started going to a wonderful surgeon. He looks at them, decides if they can be treated topically and, if not, excises them with a local anesthesia. Biopsy and removal in one step. I have used Aldara once on a lesion on my jaw and it worked very well. Yes, I got an ugly thing but it took away the lesion for good.

Presently, I am using Efudex (5-FU) cream on a lesion on my hand. After week or so of 2x daily use, it makes a raw area and then it heals and the lesion is gone.

I have a wonderful DH, who also happens to be a retired oncologist, so he watches out for any changes in moles, lesions, or whatever, that I have on me. If he recommends a removal, as opposed to the Efudex cream, then I go visit the surgeon and he takes it off.

[Brandi]

You know it is funny though I really don't see what he is seeing. I have a lot of freckles on my chest but if he is seeing lesions they must be micro. I mean my skin is not the smoothest but I am 42. But at the same time I can wear a scoop neck top and people don't stare or anything. this cream just seems so severe. I just have a tendency to wonder how much is just selling me stuff and how much is medicine I really need. The possible side effects of this stuff scare me!

[lunacycles]

Maybe it's time for a 2nd opinion?
I've seen at least 4 dermatologists and each is very different in their approach to skin cancer management/treatment...
Good luck, Brandi!

[Brandi]

I, too, am very fair and had multiple sun burns as a child and teen. Now I use sunblock whenever I am outside. I have had several procedures to remove basal cell cancers from various areas of this aging body! I used to go to a dermatologist, but he would "biopsy" the lesion and then have me come back a second time to remove whatever it was. Ridiculous. I started going to a wonderful surgeon. He looks at them, decides if they can be treated topically and, if not, excises them with a local anesthesia. Biopsy and removal in one step. I have used Aldara once on a lesion on my jaw and it worked very well. Yes, I got an ugly thing but it took away the lesion for good.

Presently, I am using Efudex (5-FU) cream on a lesion on my hand. After week or so of 2x daily use, it makes a raw area and then it heals and the lesion is gone.

I have a wonderful DH, who also happens to be a retired oncologist, so he watches out for any changes in moles, lesions, or whatever, that I have on me. If he recommends a removal, as opposed to the Efudex cream, then I go visit the surgeon and he takes it off.

efudex is the same stuff he wants me to use just a different name. I am using it on my chest so You say raw? raw like you have been skinned? Since this is on my chest area will it be weepy? Should I buy black t-shirts.

[AnnieBikes]

The "raw" area looks like you have given yourself a scrape. It will weep a little, but not alot, unless it is a big area. My hand spot is about 1 cm. across. It is noticeable, but not very! ..and when it heals up, there is no scar at all. It will be gone. So use it and get rid of the thing! It is not a bad treatment and it cures the basal cell CA. Good luck. Let me know if it works for you!

[Brandi]

I wish I could say it was one spot he wants me to apply it to my chest area. I will let you know how it goes.