[manaboutown]

A few weeks ago I went in for my quarterly check up and my dermatologist did his usual bit with the freezings and occasional few small surgical removals, some of which he sent to be biopsied. About a week later I received a call to return to his office - never had that before - scary - so I got back that very afternoon. His receptionist was already on the phone getting me an appointment with a plastic surgeon to have a malignant melanoma removed. The most disconcerting aspect of it all was my doctor, a personal friend, was seriously "all shook up!"

A week later it was removed by a plastic surgeon using a Mohs procedure and everything turned out hunky dory. For me it was a reminder to never, ever put aside regular dermatological check ups.