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Skin cancer: Has anybody had fluorouracil treatment?
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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1 ReactionYes I use it as needed, it has worked in short order
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1 ReactionRegarding "flaring" and when to expect it on the 14-day regimen–– My dermatologist had given me her OK to divide my bald head into two sectors: rear and front. I started applying the fluorouracil to the rear one day, then on the front six days later. The sectors showed not much signs of flaring, not until each sector's Day 10 or 11. I'm not done with applying the fluorouracil to either sector and watching to see how all spots of evidence of flaring gradually fade.
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1 ReactionWhoops! I had meant to say: "I'm NOW done with applying the fluorouracil to either sector … "
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1 ReactionTo give an update, I did a topical course of the fluorouracil ointment for 2.5 weeks on my face. Reactions started showing about day 7, and peaked all the way to the end, when I stopped it. It is now about 10 days past the last application, and areas are finally calming down. The most significant reaction was on the top of my right cheekbone, and my lower lip [called "farmer's lip"]. On 6 March I return to the dermatologist for excision of a new squamous cell site on my right forearm.
Ginger
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3 ReactionsI'm using Fluorouracil on my chest. Today is my first day of application.
I'm not sure how I should use. Don't want to overdose.
I used it on a few specific spots on my forehead and it basically burns them off chemically. I think it would be very painful to use it on your entire face and I would definitely check if that's what the doctor means!
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1 Reaction@blado Welcome to Mayo Connect! It's important you follow the instructions given by your doctor. Most all of us will agree that it doesn't take much, just a light amount in the areas as directed.
I do a mid-year treatment all over my face. The overt reaction will appear where there is something to be addressed.
Ginger
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1 ReactionHi,
I am about to start the cream. I have had two Mohs surgeries on the top of my head. I have spots on the crown of my head that are pre cancerous, the tell tale rough skin before it turns into cancer. My doctor wants me to put the cream on the crown of my head, she describes it as about 4 drops and apply it onto the recent surgery area as well. The surgery was 6 weeks ago and they buzzed off a good section of hair already so it's going to be a hat for some time. Here is the question, will it be easier to deal with this cream if I buzz the rest of the top of my head to apply the cream. I need to do this twice a day for two weeks and am not looking forward to my hair being covered or in the way (already did this with vaseline for at least 6 weeks including the biopsy) I am also very concerned about my dog getting it on him somehow.
Update, its not cream but the topical solution and is why it is 4 drops. Sorry, I am new to this