Remember to Schedule Your Skin Checks

@grammato3
I go to Mayo Jacksonville dermatology now every year. I used to go every 6 months for a complete skin check.

The last time I was in they said their guidelines were for those who have not had melanoma was to be seen every year. I really did not like that but then was told anytime you have a suspicious area you can still get an appointment.

The problem with that is that I can't see my back. When I asked for something to be checked that looks suspicious to me it turns out to be nothing that needs treating. But then when they are checking they always find somethng that does.

Every 3 months sounds good to me, but I’m not sure my insurance will cover screening that often. I have been making an appointment to be seen if something looks off. My dermatologist is so booked up! I’m lucky she makes special arrangements to get me in quickly. My endocrinologist does too. I’m grateful.

@jc76 From what I understand, the more frequent guidelines - of 6 months or less - are generally reserved for those who have had a significant history. I had actually increased the time frame from seeing a dermatologist when things had been stable for quite some time then bounced back up when circumstances changed, which appears to be similar to the scheduling you described. It can cause some increased anxiety, but thankfully you're being seen when you have a valid concern.

You bring up a good point about not having the ability to see your back! The advice for this is to use a full length mirror or have someone - ideally someone you trust and feel at ease- check for you. Would you feel comfortable with that?

@celia16 One of my favorite mottos is: When it doubt, check it out! In many cases, if one has a significant individual or family history of skin cancer (especially melanoma)/genetic risk, excessive sun exposure (such as working/sunning outdoors, use of tanning beds, many sunburns), or personal pre-disposition (such a fair skin, light hair/eyes, moles) may qualify as having a medically necessary need for more frequent exams.

Is that something you could discuss with your doctor at next appointment?

I’ll mention it with her again. Yes, I have fair skin, though I used to tan ( grew up at lake, beaches, tanning beds too! Ugh…), light eyes, one prior BCC. Want to stay diligent.

@grammato3 Due to my history of melanoma, I go every 6 months. But if there is a concern, I'll call in and get an appointment. I have been prone to invasive squamous cell cancers in the last couple of years. In fact, I have Mohs scheduled for July on my eyebrows. And today I was in there getting results of a biopsy on my upper arm. Turned out it is more of a scar tissue then anything cancerous, but it was acting very strange and appeared out of nowhere. Thankfully my dermatologist really understands my concerns and they make the effort to get me in whenever I call.
Ginger

@grammato3
Thanks for information.
I would think me having around (can't remember now as so many) 6-7 basal cells and one SCC I would be significant history.

My Mayo dermatologist (as I mentioned recently changed) commented on it being based on melanoma. But as long as I can come in with something suspicious I am okay. I sometimes send them a picture via portal and always get cannot give you guidance need to see in person.

My wife can see my back and helps. Problem is I have a lot of moles and she points them out. When I have dermatology look at the locations my wife gave me they say nope nothing susupicous about that just a mole or that recurring word I can't spell keracosis.

@gingerw I recall that Mohs you have scheduled for next month. It's over both eyebrows?

@jc76 That's great that you're being treated at Mayo Dermatology. I'm in a support group for melanoma run by a LCSW at Mayo and she passed along some information that Rochester Mayo has a 3D scanner which is the most up to date technology in mapping and detecting skin cancers; Florida Mayo has been approved for one and a another patient in the group with whom I've been corresponding who also treats in AZ, as do I, said her dermatologist here said they anticipate getting one by years end or so.

I agree, medical terminology is difficult to say at times, let alone spell! What you're referring to is keratosis. We're prone to more as we age (lucky us!). It's a condition resulting from an overgrowth of keratin, a protein that makes up the skin's outer layer of skin, also hair. Actinic keratosis and seborrheic keratosis are the most common. Actinic keratosis is a precancerous condition caused by sun damage, while seborrheic keratosis commonly associated with age and is benign.

You have a great communication system with your provider. May I ask which Mayo location do you go to?

@grammato3 Susan, yes, both eyebrows, on the outer edges of the brow. I will have "abbreviated eyebrows" [my terminology anyways]! The right side is the more complicated one. The left side had Mohs a few years ago, but obviously they didn't get clear margins. Both are in the eyebrow hair. I'm on their cancellation list in case they get a spot open sooner than mid July. I just am not looking forward to that healing process. It's so close to our brain and our pain center. Here comes Tylenol LOL

Lesson here, those skin cancers are sneaky, hiding on our scalps and under hair like eyebrows.
Ginger