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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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I am currently using fluorousil on my chest for a number of skin cancers. I apply it only once a week. In the past I used it much more frequently and had pain, skin peeling and sores develop. So far the current regimen is less destructive but is it effective ? I’ll let you know!
Day 17, using 5% twice a day on 40% of my scalp. Honestly, I have not had a big flare up yet. It's almost like it's not working. The red sores on my scalp are slightly worse and are painful, but not like expected. Areas around my sores are not red or dry. I'm assuming it hasn't activated yet. I've read that if you don't have a flare up within 4 weeks to go back and see your doctor.
54yr, M
@trk12fire There is a spectrum of possible responses to this topical medication. It sounds like you are seeing some difference. In my mind, you might have caught the culprit before it got too bad!
When do you return to your doctor, or check in with them?
Ginger
@gingerw
He said there was no need to schedule a follow up appointment. I'm trying to remove pre-cancerous cells from my scalp. So, they aren't cancerous yet I guess. I'm still expecting my entire head to become inflamed and it just hasn't yet.
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1 ReactionHere's a pic on day 17.
@trk12fire Your confidence in your doctor is paramount. It seems like things are fine, and this is a proactive approach. I bet there are other members here who wish their skin responses were as light as yours!
Ginger
I have done the Fluorourical treatment two times on my face over a period of 3 yrs.. It does cause the skin to get red and scabs up. It is not pleasant. Once you get to this point in the treatment (2 weeks or so) you can stop the treatment. It took my skin about a week to 2 weeks to heal.
It has healed and I see no sign of the sores now. I am 74 years old.
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2 ReactionsSo do you mean it didnt leave scarring on your face? I may need to do it on my nose and wondered about scarring.
@donnahall I think most people do not have any issue. In my experience, with my very sensitive skin [red hair, blue eyes!], there has been no residual scarring. It can take a while for the redness to disappear.
Ginger
Thank you for your timely reply.
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