Skin Cancer Screening

[Sam]

Had my first skin cancer screening today and the doc found three places that were just starting to become small cancerous places on my forehead and right ear.

 

That freezing stuff she sprayed on the three really hurt. But she nailed all three of them.

 

She said when I go fishing to make sure to wear a cap that covers the back of my neck and ears; use 50 rated zinc oxide sunscreen on face, neck, throat, and ears; wear long pants and long sleeve shirts no matter how hot it is; windburn is not a problem - the sun's rays are the problem; be watchful of your body; and if you even think something is not right go directly to the dermatologist to take a look at it.

 

I showed her one other place I found this past Friday after returning from a friend's pond and looking for ticks. It is a funny looking spot in my grion area and after she saw it she said it was OK for now but to keep an eye on it. If it grows or changes colors come directly back to her office. Do not pass Go. Head for her shop, immediately.

 

She was glad I checked myself over looking for ticks and told me to continue this practice everytime I go fishing or work in the garden. And if I see or feel anything that is out of the ordinary, return to her office.

 

Sort of like fishing. You need to know how your line feels with out a fish on it so you will know when you have a fish on it.

 

So come on guys and gals, get those annual skin cancer checkups as skin cancer is nothing to fool around with.

 

 

[tander]

Just to echo what Sam said, go get checked. I go to the dermatologist every 6 months. He freezes at least five places every visit. I have had 3 places cut out, 2 being cancer. I am 68 and lived in the sun for at least 64 of them years. I take it very serious. I wear a big hat with the flap in the back, long sleeves and gloves plus use sun screen. It is never too early to start covering up. I shared this in one thread but I just wanted to show what can happen. As bad as it looks, it really turned out pretty good, you can hardly see a scar.

 

[MN Fisher]

Having lost an eye to cancer, I have an oncology visit and a dermatology visit once a year. So far it's been nothing but the eye, but I get checked just to be on the safe side.

[NE-KID]

Good to you guys both. My father had numerous bouts with Melanoma skin cancer and some non cancerous skin cancers. The Melanoma skin cancer had to be surgically removed but so far he's doing a lot better now that he's taking better care of his skin.

[slonezp]

Cancer's a *****.

[Glenn]

Good advice Sam!  

[deaknh03]

My stepfather loved to be in the sun, often shirtless and uncovered. He had numerous areas removed over the years, on his back, neck, shoulders etc. What any dr failed to tell him is that skin cancer can and does spread internally. He ended up with cancer throughout his body, admittedly by some drs, as a result of skin cancer.

[TOXIC]

Great advice.  If you enjoy being outdoors and spend any amount of time outside, protect yourself.  When I was guiding, it was an annual trip.  I have some American Indian ancestry and my Dr. says my chances are extremely low  based on my natural skin color but I still get checked.  I also take more precautions now that I am getting older.   

[Way2slow]

I have to go every six months and have been for at least 20 years.  I've had at least a half dozen Basal cell carcinoma's cut off, and more of those precancerous things frozen off than I could every count.  The tops of my ears get frozen every couple of years. 

I've had one Melanoma cut off my back.  That one was only a couple of millimeters, since they found it very early during one of my semiannual screenings.  Good thing, that one left me about a four inch long scar.  Would hate to see what size scar I would end up with a larger one.   Since having the Melanoma, I have to get striped down, full body searches.  I'm talking every square inch once a year.

 

The bad part is, for the past 30 to 40 years, I've tried to take great care to  protect my skin, but they claim the original damage was done when I was a kid and sun burned myself several times to the point I had blisters.

[ike8120]

Yesterday the doc found three pre cancerous spots on my head, reminded me again to wear a hat and use sun screen.  I should listen to her since I  am outside with my job.

[Bankbeater]

My dad was a red head and grew up out in the sun. He had skin cancer removed from his face and lips. I make sure that I am covered up, or covered in sun block when I go outside.