Melanoma

[pepesdad1]

PD, watch that spot closely.  I have skin checks twice a year - fair skin plus immune suppressed plus love being in the sun = skin cancer.  The four that ended up being cancer came back quickly after being hit with the nitrogen spray. If it comes back, have it biopsied to be sure what it is.

Double Ditto!

 

[mark]

Glad you're on the ball with this. Several people I've known have passed.

 

[Slow Puffs]

I had basil cell skin cancer. The family doctor sent me to a specialist for a bi-op that identified it as basil. The specialist's procedure was thought to be unique at the time (mid-90's). An appointment was set up to deal with it. He shaved (cut) small layers of skin from the affected area. Then I would have to wait until the layer was examined in the lab. If it was still present, another was taken, and so on... until there was no sign of the cancer left.

Haven't had any issues since but it was alarming at the time. I find it strange that the doctor didn't have you get a biopsy to identify the kind/type of cancer/pre-cancer it is.

Anyway, keep any eye on it and have regular check-ups... Ardbeg is always helpful. 

Keep well PD.

 

[Anonymous]

Any time a doctor mentions the "C" word to you they owe you a complimentary pair of clean shorts.

I do okay in the sun (I don't burn too easy) but here in Florida these days you have to see a dermatologist every so often to get checked out. I'm probably going to get the full body exam sometime soon.

The atmosphere is not like it used to be and we're not getting any younger.

Kinda on the subject, aerosol based sun screen can cause kidney and liver damage. I imagine if it's inhaled too much. I'm going back to lotion and the Bullfrog pump sprays (the insect repellant version is great to keep in the toolbox and tackle box).

One of the coolest things I use around the yard is a Vietnamese gardening hat. The conical ones. They can look kinda goofy but they are light, shade the face and neck well and cost $2 at a good Asian store.

 

[pepesdad1]

I had basil cell skin cancer. The family doctor sent me to a specialist for a bi-op that identified it as basil. The specialist's procedure was thought to be unique at the time (mid-90's). An appointment was set up to deal with it. He shaved (cut) small layers of skin from the affected area. Then I would have to wait until the layer was examined in the lab. If it was still present, another was taken, and so on... until there was no sign of the cancer left.

Haven't had any issues since but it was alarming at the time. I find it strange that the doctor didn't have you get a biopsy to identify the kind/type of cancer/pre-cancer it is.

Anyway, keep any eye on it and have regular check-ups... Ardbeg is always helpful. 

Keep well PD.

It is called the Mose (sp) procedure, where they shave tissue until the get clean results...takes time but worth it. If they cut and miss some of it, might just as well not have bothered.  Been there, done that. Stick with the Mose procedure.
My 2 cents.

 

[Slow Puffs]

mohs micrographic surgery

 

[pepesdad1]

mohs micrographic surgery

Thanks, knew the spelling was off.

 

[Bub]

As long as the C word has come up, and at the risk of hijacking a thread, we should also be aware of leukoplakia. 
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/leukoplakia/DS00458
I mention it because it is associated with tobacco use and I had it.
An oral surgeon excised an area in the roof of my mouth and the tissue was examined by a pathologist who said that the leukoplakia was removed.

 

[huffelpuff]

PD I'm sorry to hear about this! My brother has been through this too. It's good you got it taken care of early. SPF 50+, long sleeved shirts, and wide brim hats are the best advise you'll get. See a dermatologist in about 6 months to be sure it's not growing back and that you don't have any others that were missed!

Jim

 

[Bullwinkle]

go heavy on the sunscreen and reapply multiple times during the day.
get a wide brim hat and wear it regliously.
if it comes back at all go to a dermatologist.

 

[dshpipes]

 You're too stubborn to leave us, anyway.   :heart:

Who's leavin? I'm just flaunting my epidermis in public.

Scandal! Take care of that skin, PD.

 

[Anonymous]

Funny thing. I attended a counter-protest against "Westboro Baptist Church" this weekend. I had sunscreen with me but I was under the shade of a tree for 90% of the 3 hours I was outside so I didn't apply it. My big-ass nose still got burnt. Dangit! I should be cool within 48 hours. I don't usually peel but dang... That sun these days is hot! Lesson learned even after engaging in this conversation 24 hours before the event. Derp... Smart human!

 

[Anonymous]

As long as the C word has come up, and at the risk of hijacking a thread, we should also be aware of leukoplakia. 
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/leukoplakia/DS00458
I mention it because it is associated with tobacco use and I had it.
An oral surgeon excised an area in the roof of my mouth and the tissue was examined by a pathologist who said that the leukoplakia was removed.

Was this associated with a "hot spot" or random? How often do you smoke and do you practice good oral hygiene? Regular dental appointments and cleaning? Also, how many years have you smoked and what percent of your smoking is from a tobacco pipe? Have you been a cigarette smoker in the past and how many years? How old are you? Leukoplakia is a good thing to watch out for. Tracking the variables would help the group.

The variables for smoking are complex. Variables for sun exposure are finite and measurable. I live in Florida and I don't live in a cave. I fish, camp, garden and am generally outdoorsy. Skin cancer is a risk for ALL people who are exposed to the sun for extended periods these days. Especially as you age. I have friends who have permanent "raccoon eyes" from sun glasses and being on a fishing boat for extended amounts of time in the Gulf. My smarter friends have invested in specialized light weight long sleeve shirts and balaclavas. They look like white ghosts on flats boats. Casa del Mar sunglasses are standard eye wear. Cataracts and eye damage are also a risk.

Getting old sucks but even kids are at risk for sun damage these days. Keep your kids and grand-kids well protected. :|

 

[Bub]

I added leukoplakia because it, along with melanoma, is a dermal change that can be easily diagnosed and treated before more serious problems develop. My smoking habits and oral hygiene are probably normal for the group. I just wanted to make others aware of it because I never heard of it until I was diagnosed with it.

 

[Vito]

Damn, PD! Did the doctor do a biopsy? How TF does he know it's precancerous? Or was he just making Professional Sounding Noises<img class="emojione" alt="" title=":tm:" title=":tm:" src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/emojione/assets/png/2122.png?v=2.2.7"/>? In my view, it's utterly irresponsible for a doctor to utter the "C" word unless he's absolutely sure. The very concept is a stressor, and stress is a precursor to all kinds of maladies. You don't need it.

Mrs. Vito lost a cousin to melanoma. It's nothing to trifle with. Cover up. Use sunscreen. Pull night shift. Better yet, git yo' ayuss up to Poulsbo. They use concrete up there too, y'know. :mrgreen: 

 

[Anonymous]

Arguably not relevant. Then again, maybe so in general.

http://www.sott.net/article/264030-6-reasons-why-I-do-not-trust-the-mainstream-health-authorities

:face: