Anybody ever have surgery for skin cancer?

Parent Cafe
21

<p>sadly I look 100% better tan!</p>

22

<p>My sister is a melanoma survivor. They never did find the intial melanoma.They even went back and looked at slides from a mole she had had removed 15 years previously in the same area. She did an experimental treatment 11 years ago and has been cancer free since.
I have since then always prefer to have them remove anything unusual. So far so good.
Last year when I took my son in for acne the dermatologist checked his whole body out. She then took digital photos of his back and his legs for future reference.</p>

23

<p>Here’s a link to something that’s important for everyone to know: <a href=“http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-06-16-sunscreen_x.htm?csp=34[/url]”>http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-06-16-sunscreen_x.htm?csp=34&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>For those who have had skin cancer, as well as those who haven’t I would say do NOT rely on sunscreen as a sure preventive. In particular, many people misuse and misinterpret the capabilities of sunscreen. </p>

<p>Regarding melanomas, if you have an immediate family member who has had one, you are at a two to three times risk for developing it - get screened regularly! If you have already had one melanoma, you’re at increased risk of developing another, although catching one early is usually a complete cure for that particular melanoma. My dermatologist told me that it is shocking how many very young people, even kids are being diagnosed with this now, many more than years ago.</p>

<p>I used to love basking in the sun, and tanned easily but that is a thing of the past now. I cringe when I remember sitting out with reflectors and baby oil as a young teenager!</p>

24

<p>I had a basal cell cancer removed from the side of my nose last fall. At least 10 stitches externally and not sure how many internal.</p>

<p>I learned in that process that the MOHS surgery is typically done on facial areas…it is a very microscopic surgery specifically done to minimize scarring there. Literally, after removing the butterfly bandage, I was hard pressed to even SEE a scar—it was that good.</p>

<p>My husband’s basal cell cancer that he had removed on his shoulder was not MOHS…he does have a noticeable scar.</p>

<p>All in all, I agree with many posters above. Scarring is the least of your problems if you’re prone to skin cancer. But getting a good surgeon clearly can make the difference.</p>