1. < Melanoma & Skin Cancer
Mentor

Remember to Schedule Your Skin Checks

Posted by Susan, volunteer Mentor @grammato3, 1 day ago

Just a quick reminder: even though many of us here - myself included - are undergoing active immunotherapy for advanced melanoma, don't forget to schedule routine visits with your dermatologist to keep on top of any unusual moles or growths. There may be some you can't see.

Happened to me just last week. One on my back turned out to be another basal cell carcinoma. I've been having skin checks every 3 months so these can pop up any time.

How frequently do you go for your dermatology check-ups?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Support Group.

celia16 | @celia16 | 20 hours ago
In reply to @gingerw "@grammato3 Susan, yes, both eyebrows, on the outer edges of the brow. I will have "abbreviated..." + (show)
@gingerw

@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

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Best wishes on your upcoming procedures. I had Moh’s on my temple and don’t recall any pain, buy think I took Tylenol.

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Mentor
Susan, volunteer Mentor | @grammato3 | 18 hours ago

@gingerw They sure are sneaky. My hairdresser had a large BCC on her scalp that required extensive surgery two years ago. Thank goodness for dermatologists who do thorough exams, like yours.

Indeed, the area on the forehead can be particularly sensitive. Can you apply ice afterwards? Maybe that will help alleviate some of the discomfort and swelling. I'm not sure if that's a recommendation after Mohs but maybe worth inquiring?

BTW, let me know if you got the information from letsreimagine.org. Might be helpful for some of your interests!

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jc76 | @jc76 | 3 hours ago
In reply to @grammato3 "@jc76 That's great that you're being treated at Mayo Dermatology. I'm in a support group for..." + (show)
@grammato3

@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?

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@grammato3
Thanks for the information and bearing with me on spelling.

I am a patient at Mayo Jacksonville. I have been going there since 2006. Such a complete change from then when only a couple of buildings and no hospital back in 2006.

I had a dermatologist P.A. that I have been seeing for years. She moved into cosmetic side so no longer see her. I got transferred to a M.D. dermatologist who is excellent and thorough but miss my close relationship with my prior P.A.

Thanks for clarifying the keratosis distinctions. Do you have a time frame for Mayo Jacksonville getting that new 3d scanner?

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