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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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@1lalataylor I am only 3 days in, and it's already uncomfortable. I know it will get worse before getting better. Do you have concerns about it getting into your mouth at all? That is something I worry about.
Ginger
@gingerw I went a total of 11days. The last 4 days I was putting on the whole bottom lip. I don’t feel any did get in my mouth….The Dr. just told me not to put any on the inside.
I’m finished with it for now. I’m pretty crusty , scabby and chapped. But I can put Vaseline on it now which feels good.
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1 Reaction@tresa1 I would like to hear from someone who says it wasn’t too bad. I’m supposed to start it on my chest and I’m freaked out ahead of time. I have very sensitive skin.
Can anyone tell me exactly how their skin reacted to this cream, particularly if they had a lesion on their chest? I’m really afraid of using this and what should I tell my doctor to give me with it to make it less painful if anything
@lauriesch Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
There is a general consensus that we will react when using this medication. It may be worse for others, not as severe for some of us. It seems it depends on how involved the area is where it will be used. Personally I have had times where there doesn't seem to be much reaction, and other times there is a lot of redness and puffiness. I have pretty fair skin, and sensitive.
Please do not "freak out". If there is a lot of response, it probably means that the area needed to be treated. Some of us have gone back to our doctor and asked to be able to use a soothing cream after about 2 weeks.
Ginger
It’s different for everyone I would say. But it’s pretty touch going if the reaction is strong. But that’s a good thing. It will work well.
Remember less is more. When they say small/thin amount they mean it. Try to stay within the boundaries of treatment area as reaction begins.
Be ready to be kind and gentle to yourself. And don’t disregard any symptoms you feel just because they say it’s not the cream. I get upset bowels a stomach by it. We are all different and I get very strong reactions . Be very kind and gentle to yourself and do something nice everyday for you. Even if it’s just a hot chocolate. Stay out of sun. Enjoy the very early morning or late evenings outside to stay sane.
Feel free to ask anymore questions. Thinking of you
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