Skin cancer: Has anybody had fluorouracil treatment?

Posted by starship @starship, Dec 14, 2022

My parent has hit the point where she gets four or five pre-cancerouas growths on her face every year. The doctor has been freezing them off with good results.

The Dr. recently suggested she apply a fluorouracil lotion to her face two times a day for two weeks. Apparently, this kills off the defective skin cells and holds down the development of the pre-cancerous growths for about two years. But, my mom is worrying about the redness and unpleasnt effects of the treatment during the 2 to 3 weeks she is dealing with it.

Can anybody who has used this treatment pass on their experience. She wants to hear from people who have done the treatment.
Thanks.

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Ray Kemble | @ray666 | Jan 13 2:25pm

In reply to @shortpole1 "I started my treatment five days ago, applying twice a day . My face hasn’t been..." + (show)

Today is Day 8 of my applying Fluorouracil to the top of my bald head, and I, too, am not experiencing any side effects, none newsworthy, anyway.

mantatee | @mantatee | Jan 19 9:01pm

In reply to @shortpole1 "I started my treatment five days ago, applying twice a day . My face hasn’t been..." + (show)

I am on day seven of my twice daily, fourteen day treatment to forehead, nose, and ears. I have observed a few small, localized areas of redness to nose and forehead, tingling for an hour or so after application, and tightness. I am not experiencing the diffuse redness, crusting, and pain as of yet. I agree at this point. Any updates? I can tell "something" is in play for a few hours after application.

mantatee | @mantatee | Jan 19 9:01pm

In reply to @ray666 "Today is Day 8 of my applying Fluorouracil to the top of my bald head, and..." + (show)

Any updates?

Ray Kemble | @ray666 | Jan 20 9:46am

Hi, @mantatee

I definitely flared. I think that's what they call it, isn't it? Flared? Not red so much as darkish, sufficient to tell me that the medication was doing it's job. With my dermatologist's okay, I've applied the fluorouracil first to the rear half of my head. Yesterday was Day 14, so I'm done with the rear half. That half is now quieting down. The front half is at Day 9 and it has already flared. None of this flaring, however, has been all that dramatic. How's it going for you?

Ray (@ray666)

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jan 20 11:23am

In reply to @mantatee "I am on day seven of my twice daily, fourteen day treatment to forehead, nose, and..." + (show)

@mantatee Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!

As with most any medication, we as a group can experience a variety of responses. Sometimes it is fairly dramatic, and quick, other times it seems to not be doing anything. What my dermatologist explained to me, is the fluorouracil will tackle anything it needs to, and sometimes it has more to go after than others. That, for me, has seemed to hold true.

Good for you for the course of treatment, and keeping on with it!
Ginger

mantatee | @mantatee | Jan 21 6:31pm

In reply to @ray666 "Hi, @mantatee I definitely flared. I think that's what they call it, isn't it? Flared? Not..." + (show)

I have to say not too bad. I am experiencing a few localized areas are redness. Nothing diffuse and, fortunately, tolerable. Best of luck.

mantatee | @mantatee | Jan 21 6:32pm

In reply to @gingerw "@mantatee Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! As with most any medication, we as a group can..." + (show)

Thank you for the update. I agree. So far so good here.

mantatee | @mantatee | Jan 25 9:10pm

In reply to @gingerw "@mantatee Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! As with most any medication, we as a group can..." + (show)

Well, day 11-13 have been more interesting. A more robust reaction to say the least. One more day!

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jan 26 7:45am

In reply to @mantatee "Well, day 11-13 have been more interesting. A more robust reaction to say the least. One..." + (show)

I myself am on day 4 of my regimen. So far no response, but I know it's going to happen. Best of luck to you.
Ginger

mantatee | @mantatee | Jan 26 9:28pm

In reply to @gingerw "I myself am on day 4 of my regimen. So far no response, but I know..." + (show)

Best of luck

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