Newly Diagnosed

@carolcat: Welcome to Mayo Connect, I'm glad you found us to ask your questions and concerns as I know this can be a very confusing and frightening time.

Many of us in this age category had unprotected sun exposure as children and find ourselves now being diagnosed with skin cancers as we simply didn't know the cumulative effects and dangers of ultraviolet light. These can range from basal cell (BCC), squamous cell (SCC) or melanoma. Personally, I've had all three so unfortunately I've become quire familar with them.

In the case of Stage 0, or what is referred to as melanoma in situ: this is reassuring as it means it is confined to the uppermost layer of the skin and has not spread beyond it. You caught this early and is generally amenable to a variety of treatments that your dermatologist can discuss with you, most commonly Moh's where thin layers of tissue are removed, examined under a microscope until it is determined that no cancerous cells are seen.

This helps to explain a more about it: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-2034888

As far as what to do in the future: try to limit direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, and stay in the shade when possible and perform regular skin self-exams as well as professional exams as directed.

Has your dermatologist recommended a next step for treatment?

Thanks for the great information! More of the spot will be removed (deeper cut) and then everything will proceed as you have suggested.
Carol 😀