[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.

[dbussone]

Excellent advice. Thank you for the reminder. And best wishes for your complete recovery.

[manaboutown]

Originally Posted by dbussone

Excellent advice. Thank you for the reminder. And best wishes for your complete recovery.

Thank you! All is going well so far.

[onslowe]

Very very good advice, and all good wishes on your complete recovery.

I've had two instances of malignant melanoma, the last being here in '13. Dr. Casper on my first visit, saw me, saw it, and excised it then and there. Subsequent surgery by a plastic surgeon revealed no spread into my lymph nodes, and that Dr Casper wisely had cut a sufficiently wide and deep swath in the area so the margins were 'clean.'

Do not avoid a dermatologist exam ever. The more recent melanoma was on my back and I felt nothing in the way of warning. The first was a 50 year old 'birth mark' that turned colors - big warning.

Great and thoughtful thread.

[tedquick]

Excellent reminder. Everyone of us needs to see our docs at least every 6 months. I, too, a couple of years ago had a Mohs procedure and so thankful that medicine has come as far as it has. We're so fortunate that, if caught in time, there are very few dermatological situations that can't quickly, safely and easily be resolved. Best of luck in your continued recovery and thanks for the reminder.

[Dancing Queen]

Wow, glad you are doing well.
I need a dermatologist, any recommendations?

[dotti105]

Glad you are doing well!

Any skin changes need to be reported to your doc immediately. Our 40 yr old SIL just had a huge incision on his forearm to remove a melanoma. It just appeared as a wart/mole that just got crusty. They had to do 2 procedures to get clean margins. He is being checked every 3 months now. He had no idea it could be serious or so invasive.

That stuff sneaks up on you. Don't ignore it!

[Villages PL]

I've never had a dermatologist but I'm sure I would recognize something abnormal if I saw it.

If you will search, "Understanding skin cancer" it will describe the symptoms.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

I've never had a dermatologist but I'm sure I would recognize something abnormal if I saw it...

Oooh. As a red-haired (a long time ago...heheh), freckle-faced, light skinned, Irish boy who's dealt with skin issues for a long time, I can assure you that this is potentially a very dangerous assumption. Be careful, VPL.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by Dancing Queen

Wow, glad you are doing well.
I need a dermatologist, any recommendations?

My wife and I recommend Dr Tran.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

Oooh. As a red-haired (a long time ago...heheh), freckle-faced, light skinned, Irish boy who's dealt with skin issues for a long time, I can assure you that this is potentially a very dangerous assumption. Be careful, VPL.

Excellent advice Polar!

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

Oooh. As a red-haired (a long time ago...heheh), freckle-faced, light skinned, Irish boy who's dealt with skin issues for a long time, I can assure you that this is potentially a very dangerous assumption. Be careful, VPL.

I am careful. I always protect myself from the sun even though I don't have light (Irish) skin.

Going to a doctor is fine for those who may have frequent skin issues but I don't think it's a necessity for everyone. It may even give some people a false sense of security. Of course, if you ask a dermatologist, you'll most likely get a different answer.

It may be a good thing everyone doesn't go for a yearly skin check-up. The doctors already have more business than they can handle. One year I had some strange red marks on my ankle and I was worried it might be cancer. When I tried to make an appointment with a dermatologist they were all booked up for about 2 or 3 months.

So I called a customer friendly pharmacy and the pharmacist told me to come in and he would look at it. He took one look and instantly knew what it was. He recommended a tube of cream and that cleared it up in less than a week. Not bad, huh? Eight dollars versus the cost of a visit to a dermatologist. I was not covered by any insurance at that time.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by tedquick

Excellent reminder. Everyone of us needs to see our docs at least every 6 months. .... We're so fortunate that, if caught in time, there are very few dermatological situations that can't quickly, safely and easily be resolved.

Regular preventative visits to a dermatologist are very important.

[Villages PL]

Regular visits to a dermatologist may be important for certain high risk individuals.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by tedquick

Everyone of us needs to see our docs at least every 6 months.

I think people are wise to have regular checks by a dermatologist, as well as colonoscopies (if recommended by your family doctor).
These cancers are curable if detected early.
Folks, please don't assume you're safe. The earlier that cancer is detected, the better the prognosis.