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Melanoma & Skin Cancer support: Introduce yourself and connect
Melanoma & Skin Cancer | Last Active: Nov 21 6:18pm | Replies (127)Comment receiving replies
I had Merkel cell carcinoma removed from my shoulder 10 years ago. I didn't realize there is a 40 % recurrance rate and now im feeling scared and rather foolish that ive not stayed on top of this! Im 82 and in super health, living in Greece many years now swimming in the sea many times each week. I can find no photos of how merkel looks except for a pimple looking bump. Mine never looked that. Are there other photos to help me check my arms?
Replies to "I had Merkel cell carcinoma removed from my shoulder 10 years ago. I didn't realize there..."
@donnahall Please excuse my delay in both in welcome and providing some information to you that we have here at Mayo you may find beneficial. Remember: It's never too late to educate yourself on skin safety. The sea is gorgeous on all the Greek islands (I've been to a few!) but the sun is strong so lather up with good sun protection and take heed of t he suggestions I'll include, also.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/merkel-cell-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351030
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/simple-steps-to-prevent-skin-cancer
Does this help to answer your questions?
@donnahall, you might like to connect with other members who have experience with Merkel cell carcinoma here:
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma: I'd like to hear from others https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/merkel-cell-carcinoma-1/
See all https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/melanoma-skin-cancer/
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@donnahall
Can you access web sites for Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, John Hopkins, etc. They proably have a section on skin cancers.
I am not familiar with Merkel cell carcinoma. Is it a type of skin cancer? I have had SCC and a lot BCC skin cancers. I do find pictures for them on the web sites I mentioned.
Maybe the mentors will read your post and can cite a specific web site for you.
You are living in Greece. I know if I suspect something I can take a picture of it and send to Mayo Clinic portal and get a message back from dermatology. Most of time they insist I come in to visual see the suspected area.