Get that spot checked out....

[revchuck38]

@RevolverRob - Peace to you and your family.

[UNM1136]

@RevolverRob you and yours are in my prayers.

@Duke My dad had the same cancer, same area, didn't get it in time. By the time he got it checked it had metastasized and he lost half the lymph vessels in his left neck and head, and the lower half of his left ear, but they were able to detect that before surgery, so I hope I am not just handing out anxiety here. This is one of the more....cureable ones. Fingers crossed and prayers said for clean margins.

pat

[RevolverRob]

Thank you guys for your thoughts.

I apologize - I did not intend to detract from Duke's message.

Please folks, get those spots, moles, prostates, testicles, breasts, ovaries, etc. checked. It may be uncomfortable for a bit at the doctor's office. But it beats months or years of pain and decline with your family.

If your ethical stance allows it, support legislation to allow for Physician Assisted 'Suicide' to allow yourself and those around you a chance to die with dignity.

[OlongJohnson]

Never let someone who isn't a plastic surgeon put stitches on your head.

It was a “let’s do it now” choice.

The piece they took out was large

My comment was based on the experiences of two female friends who had significant facial injuries. It wasn't a "we could do this right now or wait until tomorrow or next week." It was, "This has happened and we are dealing with it right now." Both had the stitches put in by a plastic surgeon and were able to heal with barely visible scars, rather than the significant and prominent reminders that could have resulted.

As for getting checked, I'd up the ante to see a specialist, or at least get a second opinion if you're not sure. I had a mole on my back that worried me. Asked my GP about it repeatedly, and he always said it was no problem. Then he moved to a different institution and my insurance sent me to a different GP, who referred me to a dermatologist. Who did an immediate removal of what the lab said was a basal cell carcinoma. The scar on my back would be much smaller if I'd gone to the right doctor sooner. I now regularly visit a dermatologist and receive maintenance/preventive treatments every couple years.

[OldRunner/CSAT Neighbor]

Also a squamous cell carcinoma survivor, 1 yr. ago on my right ear lobe that my dermo removed.

No recurrence thus far but sim. to Duke I waited sev. months so others can/should learn from us, do NOT wait to have a PA/MD analyze it & then take the appropriate steps to fight it.

[Shumba]

I have had three squamous cell lesions removed using Mohs micrographic surgery with excellent results.
Mohs is state of the art.
There are topical chemo drugs like Efudex that can eradicate the cells as well.
As a leukemia survivor I tend to pay attention to anything on my old carcass they seems odd.
My risk of metastasis is higher because of previous chemotherapeutic drugs, so I take no chances.
I think an annual trip to a dermatologist to be checked head to toe is essential for all of us older folks, or anyone who has spent a lot of time in the sun.

Best of luck,
Shumba

[Malamute]

I have had three squamous cell lesions removed using Mohs micrographic surgery with excellent results.
Mohs is state of the art.
There are topical chemo drugs like Efudex that can eradicate the cells as well.
As a leukemia survivor I tend to pay attention to anything on my old carcass they seems odd.
My risk of metastasis is higher because of previous chemotherapeutic drugs, so I take no chances.
I think an annual trip to a dermatologist to be checked head to toe is essential for all of us older folks, or anyone who has spent a lot of time in the sun.

Best of luck,
Shumba

Hadnt thought of that, but I should look into it also, as a leukemia graduate. Ive spent ages in the sun at high elevations, and have had some bumps frozen off, a few recently that didnt freeze correctly, going back for another go-round with the GP.

[theJanitor]

I'm very sorry to hear this, Rob. I wish you and your family the very best.

Duke, I'm very happy to hear you caught it. Good luck

[OldRunner/CSAT Neighbor]

I have had three squamous cell lesions removed using Mohs micrographic surgery with excellent results.
Mohs is state of the art.
There are topical chemo drugs like Efudex that can eradicate the cells as well.
As a leukemia survivor I tend to pay attention to anything on my old carcass they seems odd.
My risk of metastasis is higher because of previous chemotherapeutic drugs, so I take no chances.
I think an annual trip to a dermatologist to be checked head to toe is essential for all of us older folks, or anyone who has spent a lot of time in the sun.

Best of luck,
Shumba

My dermo also used MOHs for the surgical procedure, had not heard of it before but it's been around since 1938.

Also props to you Shumba for mentioning the annual dermo visit, prior cancer patient or not & especially for them to eyeball your back.

[BobLoblaw]

I had a mildly atypical spot taken off a few weeks ago. Hope you get something similar. Damn, that was a big first pass.