Skin Cancer

**StaceyS** · 05-12-2010, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by frugalfriend

Thanks for the reminder. So glad you caught this early. Would a general practitioner be OK or do you have to go to a dermatologist?

I had 2 nurse practitioners tell me mine was just a mole, dermatogolist knew it was something right away.

**jas** · 05-12-2010, 04:32 PM

-My GP kept saying to make an appointment with the dermatologist. This was even before this thing between my nose and lip even came about. He sends you off to someone else for everything! Yours might be different, but the dermatologist would be the best bet.

**krbshappy71** · 05-12-2010, 04:43 PM

Thanks for the encouragement through reading the posts on here. My doc is wary of a mole I've had all my life. Its like a pet to me, like my student loan is, ha! (dave ramsey reference) I don't want it removed, I'm afraid messing with it will make it turn into something worse. I don't know where I've heard that before but it has scared me ever since I heard that messing with one can make it change even more. Anyone felt that way?

**jas** · 05-12-2010, 05:30 PM

What I have started out more of a wart like thing. I don't have any moles. My ds has a few on his back and has had one removed so far. He is only 24. With our family history it is better to be safe.

It they removed the mole it would be gone. Don't know how it could change then. Or are you thinking something would come back in the same spot, but be worse than the original mole?

**Ali Lee** · 05-12-2010, 08:47 PM

Now I will look everywhere & anywhere...thanks!!!!!!

**jas** · 05-12-2010, 08:54 PM

This is wierd, my brother is getting two basil cell cancers removed tommorrow too! I called just to see if he had ever had any and was talking to my sister in law and she thought I was calling because today on Goodmorning America they had their weatherman Sam Champion getting one removed from him on camera.

I was like no, I was wondering because I am getting one removed tommorrow and she said so is he!!

I have two other brothers I don't know if they have had any though.

**frugalfranny** · 05-13-2010, 01:26 AM

Originally Posted by jas

It they removed the mole it would be gone. Don't know how it could change then. Or are you thinking something would come back in the same spot, but be worse than the original mole?

Not sure what krbs means but I am all for going to a dermatologist to get them removed...........not a GP!!! Been there, done that....the arrogant butt thought that he could do it.......didn't get it all..........then they had to go even deeper on the second go around. I was not a happy camper!! Changed Dr's immediately!

**jas** · 05-13-2010, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by frugalfranny

Not sure what krbs means but I am all for going to a dermatologist to get them removed...........not a GP!!! Been there, done that....the arrogant butt thought that he could do it.......didn't get it all..........then they had to go even deeper on the second go around. I was not a happy camper!! Changed Dr's immediately!

Yep stick with the specialist. How did they remove yours? My doc didn't tell me. I guess I will know in about 2hours.

**krbshappy71** · 05-13-2010, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by frugalfranny

Not sure what krbs means but I am all for going to a dermatologist to get them removed...........not a GP!!! Been there, done that....the arrogant butt thought that he could do it.......didn't get it all..........then they had to go even deeper on the second go around. I was not a happy camper!! Changed Dr's immediately!

Sorry just got back to this topic. Yes, similar stories about the mole changing after a biopsy, sort of like this question posted: (hope it lets me link) Skin Cancer Forum - Can a mole become dangerous after shave biopsy on upper arm ?

So maybe its just urban legend worries I have heard but I have always been afraid to mess with a mole that has laid quietly, not itching, not hurting, etc.

**valerian** · 05-13-2010, 10:31 AM

My parents go yearly for full body checks because both have had basal cell carcinomas. My Dad had one removed from his back last year and had to go back to have more removed. In the last few months a new one has appeared on his back and he had this one removed last week. Both have had them removed from their temple hairlines and my Mom has had several removed from various places on her face. She has that patchy type skin that gets lots of stuff especially on her arms. I have my Dad's skin which is smooth and unblemished, but I still worry about it. Back in the day in college, we'd slather on baby oil and lay out in the sun! Crazy! We knew it was bad, but no one thinks it'll happen to them at that age. You feel like you'll live forever!

**jas** · 05-13-2010, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by valerian

My parents go yearly for full body checks because both have had basal cell carcinomas. My Dad had one removed from his back last year and had to go back to have more removed. In the last few months a new one has appeared on his back and he had this one removed last week. Both have had them removed from their temple hairlines and my Mom has had several removed from various places on her face. She has that patchy type skin that gets lots of stuff especially on her arms. I have my Dad's skin which is smooth and unblemished, but I still worry about it. Back in the day in college, we'd slather on baby oil and lay out in the sun! Crazy! We knew it was bad, but no one thinks it'll happen to them at that age. You feel like you'll live forever!

At least you are more aware because of your parents dealing with it than a lot of people who would rather just brush things off as like you said "It could never happen to me!"

We are all usually in denial of the future damage we probably have inflicted upon our bodies when we were younger. And the young people today have so much more info than we had and still just brush it aside.

**Megareader** · 05-23-2010, 03:47 PM

I have had basal cell carcinoma twice...both times on my nose! When they remove it and stitch you up, that black thread they use makes you look like you have a bug on your face. Not the most attractrive look. I have never been a "sun worshipper" but the doctor said that blue eyed, fair skinned people (that would be me) are at a higher risk. Plus my mom and her mom also had basal cell carcinoma on the face. And there is no dodging genetics.

So my public service announcement of the day is this...if you do not have sunscreen, go to your favorite low-priced store, buy some, and use it. And if you already own sunscreen, use it.