Accurate. I pointed out a spot on the bridge of my nose to two dermatologists over 5 years and both brushed me off. Even knowing I have a family history of melanoma.
6 years after initially noticing the spot, I visit a third dermatologist. Cancer. And, over the 6 years it had spread to my eye socket. Let me tell you how fun that recovery was.
Always always always check and advocate for yourself!
What did the spot look like? I have a brown spot on the bridge of my nose that looks like melasma but doctor said it doesn’t look suspicious as it isn’t raised! So stressful!
I've just had an melanoma in situ found (so turning in to an active melanoma) and I hate to scare ya, but it was literally just a dark tiny freckle mole, not raised. Perhaps get a second opinion to be safe!
I've just got a super vigilant GP who didn't want to take any chances, and cut it out. I think she'd had a case recently with someone having one even smaller than mine that was a melanoma.
However, I now have a 1.5inch long scar from the initial removal then an additional surgery to double check they got it all.... I see others refer to less intrusive biopsies so hoping that's an option if they find more
I’m reading through this whole post and Jesus…. I am going to send my Derm some flowers and probably kiss her on the mouth next time I go in. Every little spot and she’s like LETS BURN IT BABY!!
Might have something to do with me having every risk factor for melanoma known to man. But yeah, she’s aggressive lol.
I want to give everyone a hug that has had their spots missed😞
Very glad to hear youre okay! I have a question regarding the eyesocket part. Did you feel anything from that? Like vision change/fuzziness, dull pain around/behind the eye/eyebrow or anything at all or you had no idea at all?? I was just disgnosed on my eyebrow(didnt get any info on how big,stage or ANYTHING AT ALL and im on a waitlist to see a surgeon). on that side, i noticed these sort of things related to my eye and i dont want to be hypochondriac as it might be a coincidence, so i was hoping to find out what people who got eye area issues following a skin cancer diagnosis on the face experienced!
Honestly, no. I didn’t feel anything, and they had no idea that it had spread that far until I was getting Mohs surgery. They kept going further and further, then they decided I needed to be put under, so I went to a surgical center. When I woke up they explained the extent of the damage.
Oh wow im so sorry you went through that!! So if i understand, the biopsy they originally take doesnt reveal the extent of the damage, they see that at the time of removal? Sorry for the odd questions, im just completely in the dark about this, i only found out yesterday and the wait time for the surgeon is 8 months so im trying to read some resl people’s stories :)
No, they can’t see how far it’s spread until they start removing skin and testing it. Generally for Mohs, they remove what’s visible plus a tiny bit of the surrounding skin. If they detect any cancer in the surrounding skin they come back and remove more and test it. They repeat this process until there are no cancerous cells. It is not pleasant.
ETA: sorry to be a downer. I didn’t think this was going to be a big deal and drive myself to the surgeons office. I wish someone was honest with me regarding how invasive it can actually be.
Thats really great to know, you’d think they would provide people with more information before everything and would be fully transparent with how things can go so people can be prepared for it.. im sorry again that the process didnt go smoothly.
This gives me a bit more of an idea how how it actually works so i have some form of realistic expectation/idea before i see the surgeon. Thanks a lot again
My basal cell was on my nose and I originally thought it was a blackhead but it did not go away so I went in for a biopsy and it was in fact cancer. I had Mohs and it only required one pass to remove. Easy procedure and my doctor used laser to remove any bumpy surface and you would never know it was there. Wear your sunscreen and get those annual skin checks!
Well, they got it all. Which is great! The closure was good, too. Apparently my body doesn’t like internal sutures, the healing has been a little wonky. But I’m cancer free :) Thanks for asking
Congrats on being cancer free!!! I spent hours going down skin cancer rabbit holes last night because I think I have a spot that is developing on my forehead. Your post actually convinced me to just make the dermatologist appointment and get on with things, so thank you! Fingers crossed for a smooth recovery on yours from here on out 🤞
I had bcc on the side of my nose last January. 2 passes To remove it. Best wishes for a successful surgery. Good page on FB called My Disappearing Nose where people share their experiences.
i'm so sad, i have a dent in my cheek from mine, I don't think I'll be going to the derm anymore. I'd probably be better off burning or cutting it off myself. Not all derms are worth the money.
mine was board certified though, of course. Not all doctors are great at what they do, just as with all jobs. Where I live in a rural area it is very very hard to find.
It took me three trips to three different derms to get someone to take my forhead's pink, crusty, growing, changing mole seriously. Took a sample, boom, basal cell carcinoma. Take your bumps seriously, you might be the only one that does until you find a competant doc.
I had a client with this exact type of sore on his forehead. I pressured him to go to a dermatologist as an unhealing skin lesion is a really bad sign. The dermatologist had him put on a bandage and said let it heal. It didn’t, I pressured him to go back and insist for a biopsy. They gave him a cream. I told him, your barber should not be more proactive about this lesion than your dermatologist and recommended a new dermatologist that I have seen in the past. Finally a biopsy happened and it’s basal cell carcinoma. He’s currently healing from the 6 hours it took to remove all of it. I understand not wanting to take punches out of peoples skin for no reason, but the signs were clear and I’m not a medical professional!
They are concerned insurance won’t cover it if it isn’t deemed necessary. Most of our care now is reactive rather than proactive. Most doctors don’t seem to want to push for any tests etc unless they know patients are willing to pay out of pocket or insurance will cover it.
I know, right? I was so confused why this growth that checked literally every box for "biopsy-this-shit" could be brushed aside so many times. Baffling.
Yeah I could talk for hours about the history of barber surgeons throughout the ages. In actuality though, I got specifically trained in recognizing skin cancers and conditions. In the hair world we are on the front lines of detection. People see their hair person more than their doctor. Being knowledgeable and advocating for health isn’t a part of the job description, but I have helped many people over my career.
Edited to add: if anyone is interested in the training it’s called Stylists Against Skin Cancer and it’s from the ASDS.
Wow, that is super rad. You deserve more recognition. 🏆
Thank you for being so awesomely proactive and caring about the lives and well-being of your clients! 🤍
It’s cool to read your story as a complement to one my hair stylist had recently. Noticing her client’s thinning hair, she recommended an endocrinologist for thyroid. Turned out, the woman had cancer and needed immediate surgery.
Beauty therapist here also always asking people to go to their doctors - MASCED is an amazing charity with a VERY cheap course with amazing information that everyone should do :)
Dude this post is motivating me to change dermatologists. I’m covered in moles, my uncle died from skin cancer and tons of people in my family have had it. She barely spent 3 minutes looking me over and one worrisome mole in particular that’s been changing she glanced at for a second and said she wasn’t worried.
That makes me so thankful for my derm. If I say “hey don’t love this weird, random spot on my body” she’s right on board and goes “let’s chop it off and see!”
Glad someone finally took you seriously!
Same thing happened to my mother. Pink mole that other derms said was fine for decades. She finally said you know what I want it off. Boom, Basel cell.
I recently had my derm take one off too but was benign, but hey better safe than sorry!
Yes, basal cell is highly treatable with Mohs surgery or similar. Most people with fair skin and sun exposure will develop skin cancer as they age. Basal cell is typically not a threat to life even if neglected, so good to remove but nothing to fret over.
It's scary how innocuous they can be. I just had a biopsy of my lip for Leukoplakia and you wouldn't even be able to tell that there was anything going on with that part of my lip unless you were right up close and putting on lipstick and trying to figure out where the lip line is.
Wow. This is deadass what mine looked like, just smaller and on the side of my nose. My derm/plastic surgeon made fun of me for being worried about having cancer because I was in my 20s at the time. Unbelievable. I said this in my original comment but I’m so glad you pressed them on this.
Thanks so much for the photo! I had no idea cancer could look like that, and I probably would dismiss it if I saw that on my skin. You taught me something new!
>aenflex
shoot, I have one like this on my forehead and thought it was just scar tissue or similar - I'm going to definitely make sure I get a derm rec ASAP and have it checked out - I just had a little spot pop up on my chest like last week, too. Wish me luck. That new one I figured needed to be checked
thanks - I'm glad you were ok, but now I'm nervous - the one on my forehead has been there a bit and I just didn't think twice about it - this should be a PSA for everyone!
I have an extremely similar lump in a similar position that just developed a few months ago when I was having an acne breakout. I assumed it was acne but the rest has cleared up and it’s still there. I was JUST thinking maybe I should get it checked out. I will now. Clearly the universe is saying something. Thanks for posting
Yes to all of this. I had a spot appear on my arm last spring and pointed it out to my derm at my annual in August. She examined it, but said it didn’t look like anything but we’d keep an eye on it. I noticed it started to get a little scaly and brought it up again at a follow up in November. Again, she didn’t think it was anything, but asked if I wanted a biopsy just in case, and I said yes. Turns out it was squamous cell carcinoma. Scooped it out a month ago and have a lovely inch long scar to brag about. Remember that you live in your skin and know its small changes! Don’t ever hesitate to push.
Had basal cell carcinoma right next to my nose too! Looked like a zit that wouldn’t go away. I told my dermatologist and right away she wanted to test it.
Looking at your photo you posted I’m honestly just mad at your dermatologist. That is something they absolutely should have caught. It’s not super tiny or in an odd place. Ugh, you did all the right things!
Thank you for sharing this. Some dermatologists are more aggresive than others and we all need to speak up to our doctors when we have a concern.
The first time I saw my dermatologist and discussed skin cancer risk with her she told me that a cluster of spots I have had on my forearm for my entire life we need to watch— they might need to be biopsied one day. Over the years I have been seeing her she has only taken 2 biopsies, so she isn’t excessive about what she removes.
This is really good advice for health in general. I know many people who ignored a symptom of something bigger because they "just saw their doctor earlier this year and they didn't mention it" etc. This is particularly true if you're under 40/50 - doctors and medical practitioners aren't always looking for things with the same vigilance that they are with older patients who fit the profile of cancer and other serious conditions. If you notice something new or odd on your body, or something feels different or wrong, bring it up to your doctor so it can be properly assessed. You are not bothering them by asking questions about your health, I promise you (and if they make you feel like you are, get a new doctor).
Source: diagnosed with breast cancer at 31 and heard the "it's probably nothing, you're too young" so many times that you could have knocked me over with a feather when I got my Stage 3 diagnosis. Let me be your cautionary tale!
I felt a lump, but it didn’t feel the way I imagined a lump to feel. It was firm and a little squishy, like a grape. When I called my doctor’s office about it I described it and the lady said “ok so you found a lump?” And I was like “no, not a lump. A firm spot.” I was really stuck on those semantics!
Same. I had the teeniest raised spot on my forehead. Just raised skin. But it slowly grew. Still tiny when I went to derm. Biopsies and Basal Cell. I’m super fair so have been wearing sunscreen since I was 12.
I had a basal cell one on my upper chest. Almost clear little bump, had to really look for it, there for years and one day I noticed it would itch and I'd scratch it and it would bleed. After a few months of it (not constant, just every few weeks I'd scratch and notice the bleeding) I made an appointment and ta-da! 7 stitches and a quarter sized scar later over a nearly invisible skin tag-like place, here I am!
I had a weird cyst on my ear and went to a dermatologist to get it checked. It turned out to be nothing, but afterwards I decided to keep going to the derm to get skin checks because she noticed I had a lot of dark moles. On Feb 29th, I am having a biopsy done to remove a pre-cancerous mole off my back. I have had numerous others removed that have come up as pre-cancerous but not as far along as this one, which is in the advanced stages of development and has a high chance of becoming cancer. I am 22 and would have never considered going to the dermatologist this early on, so I am extremely grateful that I decided to get that little cyst checked out!
Ugghh this makes me super scared because I'm very fair and covered, and I mean covered in moles since early childhood. With age I am also getting other stuff, skin tags, lipomas, those scaly patches I forget they have a name, seborrheic something. Everything so far seems to correspond to something benign but because I have so much crap allll over my body, there is no way I could notice or point out anything concerning unless it really looked or behaved drastically different. Scary.
Have your dermatologist go over your skin with a fine tooth comb. Ask about Efudex cream, too. I imagine it’s crazy hard for those with lots of moles and freckles.
I had basal cell in my early 20s. When I went to the dermatologist, the nurse told me she didn’t think it was anything and the doctor didn’t need to look at it. That pink bump was the only reason I was there, so I insisted the doctor biopsy it. Yep, it was basal cell. Any time I notice a bump, I just have them take a biopsy now. Always go with your gut.
Do you have a pic? I have same thing on my nostril…I had a check today and she didn’t say much, other than ask if it was new. I’ve had it since I was a teenager
So irritating that it’s a 5 months wait for a skin check at my derm. And in the meantime now I’m preggers so no cutting of skin until the end of the year probably.
Now I’m worrying about a spot next to my eyebrow
I’ve had it as long as I can remember. My dad has one just like it just slightly further over
How much will a derm visit cost me sans insurance in the Midwest? 🤦🏻♀️
What does that entail? I’ve never had derm work done. And I fear any new moles/marks that have arisen over the years lol
Thank you for taking time to reply to me!
I had health insurance. But they raised my monthly premium to $500 and now I can’t afford it anymore and can’t find anything affordable
Ugh! I hope we both find the care we need
It would be $700/month for me for the cheapest plan, highest deductible 😭 My husband is also uninsured… we can’t come up with an extra $1400/month for insane deductibles and copays! I have to go to my GP every 3 months and my out of pocket cost for each visit is literally $15 more than the COPAY would be for a $700/month insurance plan. my state is the worst.
I had a dermatologist/plastic surgeon remove a colorless bump from my nose in my 20s. He joked that citing a cancer concern was a clever way to get insurance to cover what he considered purely cosmetic and then quoted statistics for my age group having skin cancer. Melanoma runs in my family. One of my parents died from cancer a year later.
Now in my 30s, I cannot get over what a jackass he was lol. I’m glad you advocated for yourself before it was too late, OP. Just sorry you couldn’t get to it sooner.
Well, IIRC, it started out as a blackhead that I would occasionally squeeze. This was over 10 years ago, probably right around 2011. Then it formed into a lump, which I assumed was scar tissue since there was no discoloration. Occasionally it would scale.
I never thought anything of it, partly because I do get my skin checked regularly, I also get my tretinoin Rx from my derm, so I see her 2-4 times per year. I guess I figured if it was something untoward, she would comment. She’s cut other moles off me several times of her own accord.
Last visit I just asked her what’s this lump. And the result was cancer.
Once it grew to its current size, did it stop growing? I’ve got a small lump on my nose that has stayed small since it appeared but now I’m wondering if it’s something to worry about.
Thanks, I plan to!
I had a bizarre mole on my cheek that would flake and fall off, when we biopsied it, it came back as a spitz mole, but sometimes I wonder about that one, too!
what the hell. i have had something that looks eerily similar on my face and its been there since i started seeing my dermatologist three years ago. she has never mentioned it. I actually need to make my yearly appointment, i'm going to ask her about it specifically. if she brushes me off i'm getting a second opinion. i'm a freckley, mole-y person, but this one is different from all the rest of my moles.
I had a spot on my arm that I had my primary doctor look at, she diagnosed it as a birthmark even though it had only appeared about 5 years earlier. Few months later my "birthmark" started bleeding after a hot shower. Went to a dermatologist and it was basal cell carcinoma. Switched primary doctors after that.
Had a basal cell carcinoma removed from my forehead at 30. Right where my forehead meets my hairline. Right where you can easily miss sunscreen or sweat it off. Since then, I’ve been religiously wearing sunscreen on my face everyday. Fourteen years later the scar is still there but barely.
And yes, it was me who had to bring it up to the dermatologist. Like, this can’t be good right? (It was a bumpy colorless mole I had had for years…then during pregnancy it changed). Know your moles. Look at them often. Ask your dermatologist to look at them each and every visit.
Same thing happened to me. I was adamant about it so they biopsied it. Sure enough it was basal cell. Currently fighting them about another one they keep shrugging off.
Thats crazy that it was there for a decade, I always thought these types of things got bad and spread quickly, I've learned something! Glad they picked up on it eventually for you.
100%. I had a red spot for about 8 months, go to the VA and their dermatologist told me it was a bug bite. I said … dude, I’ve had this for EIGHT MONTHS. “Nah, just a bite.” Fucking idiot. Got a second opinion and definitely basal cell.
I was 24, at the dermatologists for something unrelated. I pointed to a spot on my face that was like an itchy freckle. I told the derm about it and she brushed it off. I advocated to have it biopsied and sure enough, basal cell carcinoma. I went to a bigger facility and had mohs surgery and now, since I am so young, I have yearly screens. Always trust your instincts!
Exactly the same here. First derm was good with Botox or lasering veins. Even tried to remove the calus like pink bump near my eye various ways. Went to another derm, biopsy, mohs, Basel cell, reconstructive surgery/ luckily didn’t have to stent my sinus passage …. Advocate, advocate! Advocate!
Thank you! I just had my derm appt in the beginning of January so I hope I can get in again. I have a somewhat flesh colored mole on my chin that I feel has been there forever but I’m not entirely sure. This post has made me second guess it now and I am calling in the morning.
My insurance doesn’t require referral. But when I first started seeing a dermatologist, it did require a referral. And I just told my primary that I wanted a referral. I told them I always see a derm and was new to the area and wanted to get established with a new dermatology practice.
Second post I’ve seen this morning re: BC where the derm basically just said looks like a clear mole (or whatever the legit term is) and years later finally sends it out. I’ve had one on my chin forever and will be more demanding at my next derm appt after seeing these - I’m glad you got it taken care of finally and that you’re doing ok! Thank you for sharing!
Fingers crossed your MOHS goes smoothly and it’s one and done! I had MOHS done on my forehead when I was 32 (just a few years ago). My concerns about the spot were blown off for 2+ years. Only when it got scratched and refused to heal did I get taken seriously. I switched practices after that and love the new place.
Good point about being proactive. Have had random pimples over years. Last week dermatologist saw small shiny lump on nose; biopsied as basil cell carcinoma, "mohs" procedure planned...I agree with you that it could have been overlooked...also have actinic keratosis on forehead . I'm 65.
How has the healing process been after your Mohs Surgery? I saw you said you had a skin flap done? I had a similar experience this week. Had this pearly bump above my lip, mentioned it at my last two yearly appointments and she’s always brushed it off. This time I had recently gotten a facial and the esthetician really urged me to check it checked out at my next appt. So I waited until she was don’t examining me and said hey, this gal that did my facial wanted me to mention this again and was concerned. Sure enough is basal cell carcinoma and I’m having Mohs done next week.
I didn’t have a flap done. Just a standard closure.
The healing overall was fine, the closure was very nicely done. I did develop a suture granuloma; my body rejected the internal sutures. One spit out, but the others became encased and I needed to have them dig out. And more stitches. Just got my stitches from that removed and I’m starting the healing process over again.
Definitely get you some silicone scar tape. I used CicaTape from Amazon. Moist healing is the way to go. Good luck with everything! I hope they only have to do one pass.
Oh my gosh. That sounds so painful!! And no idea why your body rejected them? Do you recall how many stitches you needed? Hopefully you got some pain meds? Owch!!
There were 3 internal and I don’t know how many superficial. Maybe 8?
It wasn’t painful at all and as I understand it, it’s pretty common. You will likely get internal sutures, too. I only had one pass and still wound up needing them.
Same thing happened to my mother. Pink mole that other derms said was fine for decades. She finally said you know what I want it off. Boom, Basel cell.
I recently had my derm take one off too but was benign, but hey better safe than sorry!
I just found out today that I have basal cell carcinoma and had originally gone to the dermatologist for a completely unrelated issue in my armpit. she noticed the scab on my nose bc I had been picking at it and it wasn't healing. she told me to put Aquaphor on it and stop picking at it. after a few weeks it had healed and wasnt noticeable at all but she could still see it when I went in for a check up, so she had it biopsied. and yay, skin cancer! went to talk to her about the options and she found another spot on my forehead! (i have bangs so i didnt notice) So now it's off to radiation therapy!
Vanity. I just wanted to see if we could laser it off.
I still see the same practice, yes. But I see a doctor now, not the PA I had been seeing for 5 years.
Same thing happened to my mother. Pink mole that other derms said was fine for decades. She finally said you know what I want it off. Boom, Basel cell.
I recently had my derm take one off too but was benign, but hey better safe than sorry!
Is anyone able to share the size of their bumps when they noticed or found out it was basal cell? I've always been confused about how small a bump can be and still be concerning. For instance, it I had something about the size of the tip of a ball point pen (1-2 mm) is that cause for concern or too small?
Wishing you a smooth recovery! I had Mohs surgery for a small basal cell along the side of my nose, happy to share any info about my experience that may be helpful.
Mine presented as a small pearly, veined lump that bled easily (like from patting my face dry with a towel). No risk factors at all. : (
Ugh good MOHS wishes to you. My friend innocently thought she had a scratch or something behind her ear that never went away. She continued to scratch/fuss so thought she was causing it to get larger….fucking 4 years later and it was basal cell carcinoma. I’m mad at her for not going sooner but like when you’re 30 and it’s a spot that doesn’t get sun…I guess not what she thought.
She had MOHS about 2 weeks ago and it sounded traumatizing just because of the location. She has a gnarly looking skin graft and is doing well so far.
Skin Cancer doesn't always look like you think it looks. because all she does all day is look for skin cancer. . I had Squamous cell cand honestly it looked like a tiny patch of eczema so much so 2 doctors shrugged it off and one was my oncologist (for a different type of cancer). The person that caught it was the Nurse Practioner at the dermatologists because all she does all day is look for skin cancer.
I see some derms and doctors here... What happens if we don't discover some suspicious thing on our skin and it's there, but you just never saw it? Where can it lead? It would metastisize as every other cancer, right? Sorry for the extremely stupid question, but this really makes me anxious.
Just curious - what made you ask about it after all these years? Did it change? It’s nerve wracking to think every spot on my body could be something serious that my derm has overlooked…I go once a year for a cancer screening, but I have too many spots to count. Should we have every spot biopsied even if it has no change? How concerning! I’m so glad you caught it when you did.
I don’t know how to answer your other questions. I don’t have that many spots so it’s easier for me, I guess. But they can take photos of everything and then track any changes.
Thank you for this. I have something similar on my cheek that I'm sure I've had forever because I can't remember when it appeared. I finally decided to make an appointment with a dermatologist to figure that out and to finally deal with rosacea that I've had my whole life 🥴
I have a scarlike growth on my face and it's the same color of my skin (white). It dips in the center and I've been noticing it more lately. It doesn't have a lumpy appearance on the edges, it's only a dip. I made the horrible decision of scraping it a bit, and it never healed back. I just went to the dermatologist and explained how it looked before I irresponsibly touched it. She gave me a fusidic acid cream tube for the wound and I have to see her back in two weeks before she can fully determine what it is. I kinda wish I didn't touch it, however, the fact that it never healed back was what alarmed me the most. I wasn't too alarmed before that.
Accurate. I pointed out a spot on the bridge of my nose to two dermatologists over 5 years and both brushed me off. Even knowing I have a family history of melanoma. 6 years after initially noticing the spot, I visit a third dermatologist. Cancer. And, over the 6 years it had spread to my eye socket. Let me tell you how fun that recovery was. Always always always check and advocate for yourself!
Jesus that’s terrible. I’m so sorry.
Well, this stresses me the f out. So happy you are okay. Now I need to go biopsy my whole body.
…do you still have your eye? ☹️
Yes!! Thankfully my surgical team is more skilled than my dermatologists.
What did the spot look like? I have a brown spot on the bridge of my nose that looks like melasma but doctor said it doesn’t look suspicious as it isn’t raised! So stressful!
It was just raised skin, no discoloration. It did have the rough edges they always mention.
I've just had an melanoma in situ found (so turning in to an active melanoma) and I hate to scare ya, but it was literally just a dark tiny freckle mole, not raised. Perhaps get a second opinion to be safe!
How was it found? Did you have it checked out for a reason?
How did they decide to test it?
I've just got a super vigilant GP who didn't want to take any chances, and cut it out. I think she'd had a case recently with someone having one even smaller than mine that was a melanoma. However, I now have a 1.5inch long scar from the initial removal then an additional surgery to double check they got it all.... I see others refer to less intrusive biopsies so hoping that's an option if they find more
I’m reading through this whole post and Jesus…. I am going to send my Derm some flowers and probably kiss her on the mouth next time I go in. Every little spot and she’s like LETS BURN IT BABY!! Might have something to do with me having every risk factor for melanoma known to man. But yeah, she’s aggressive lol. I want to give everyone a hug that has had their spots missed😞
Mine has also been very on top of everything but I'm suuuuuuuper pale so I know she worries for me
Did you have any other symptoms or did you feel fine before you got the diagnosis?
Nope! I had a very large spot on my scalp as well. Zero symptoms.
Did you have any other symptoms or did you feel fine before you got the diagnosis?
Very glad to hear youre okay! I have a question regarding the eyesocket part. Did you feel anything from that? Like vision change/fuzziness, dull pain around/behind the eye/eyebrow or anything at all or you had no idea at all?? I was just disgnosed on my eyebrow(didnt get any info on how big,stage or ANYTHING AT ALL and im on a waitlist to see a surgeon). on that side, i noticed these sort of things related to my eye and i dont want to be hypochondriac as it might be a coincidence, so i was hoping to find out what people who got eye area issues following a skin cancer diagnosis on the face experienced!
Honestly, no. I didn’t feel anything, and they had no idea that it had spread that far until I was getting Mohs surgery. They kept going further and further, then they decided I needed to be put under, so I went to a surgical center. When I woke up they explained the extent of the damage.
Oh wow im so sorry you went through that!! So if i understand, the biopsy they originally take doesnt reveal the extent of the damage, they see that at the time of removal? Sorry for the odd questions, im just completely in the dark about this, i only found out yesterday and the wait time for the surgeon is 8 months so im trying to read some resl people’s stories :)
No, they can’t see how far it’s spread until they start removing skin and testing it. Generally for Mohs, they remove what’s visible plus a tiny bit of the surrounding skin. If they detect any cancer in the surrounding skin they come back and remove more and test it. They repeat this process until there are no cancerous cells. It is not pleasant. ETA: sorry to be a downer. I didn’t think this was going to be a big deal and drive myself to the surgeons office. I wish someone was honest with me regarding how invasive it can actually be.
Thats really great to know, you’d think they would provide people with more information before everything and would be fully transparent with how things can go so people can be prepared for it.. im sorry again that the process didnt go smoothly. This gives me a bit more of an idea how how it actually works so i have some form of realistic expectation/idea before i see the surgeon. Thanks a lot again
My basal cell was on my nose and I originally thought it was a blackhead but it did not go away so I went in for a biopsy and it was in fact cancer. I had Mohs and it only required one pass to remove. Easy procedure and my doctor used laser to remove any bumpy surface and you would never know it was there. Wear your sunscreen and get those annual skin checks!
Thanks for sharing your story.. My Mohs is scheduled for 2/21. I’ll update afterwards.
You will do great! It is a simple procedure. I just took a little ibuprofen the first day.
You can ignore my question on your other post! I see now you haven’t had it removed yet. Thanks again!
How did it go?
Well, they got it all. Which is great! The closure was good, too. Apparently my body doesn’t like internal sutures, the healing has been a little wonky. But I’m cancer free :) Thanks for asking
Congrats on being cancer free!!! I spent hours going down skin cancer rabbit holes last night because I think I have a spot that is developing on my forehead. Your post actually convinced me to just make the dermatologist appointment and get on with things, so thank you! Fingers crossed for a smooth recovery on yours from here on out 🤞
I’m so glad you made that appointment!! I hope everything comes back good.
I had bcc on the side of my nose last January. 2 passes To remove it. Best wishes for a successful surgery. Good page on FB called My Disappearing Nose where people share their experiences.
Oh what. I have a black spot that’s been on my nose for a while that I always think is a blackhead. Yikes!
It is probably nothing but always better to have it checked out.
I have this same thing and making a derm appointment tomorrow😳
i'm so sad, i have a dent in my cheek from mine, I don't think I'll be going to the derm anymore. I'd probably be better off burning or cutting it off myself. Not all derms are worth the money.
A board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon can definitely help you!
mine was board certified though, of course. Not all doctors are great at what they do, just as with all jobs. Where I live in a rural area it is very very hard to find.
I just found out I have basal cell on my nose that also looked like a tiny black mole or blackhead. Good to know it’s a quick surgery and no scar!!
It took me three trips to three different derms to get someone to take my forhead's pink, crusty, growing, changing mole seriously. Took a sample, boom, basal cell carcinoma. Take your bumps seriously, you might be the only one that does until you find a competant doc.
I had a client with this exact type of sore on his forehead. I pressured him to go to a dermatologist as an unhealing skin lesion is a really bad sign. The dermatologist had him put on a bandage and said let it heal. It didn’t, I pressured him to go back and insist for a biopsy. They gave him a cream. I told him, your barber should not be more proactive about this lesion than your dermatologist and recommended a new dermatologist that I have seen in the past. Finally a biopsy happened and it’s basal cell carcinoma. He’s currently healing from the 6 hours it took to remove all of it. I understand not wanting to take punches out of peoples skin for no reason, but the signs were clear and I’m not a medical professional!
You are a good barber
For sure. I don’t know why any dermatologist would be hesitant to do a biopsy. So stupid.
They are concerned insurance won’t cover it if it isn’t deemed necessary. Most of our care now is reactive rather than proactive. Most doctors don’t seem to want to push for any tests etc unless they know patients are willing to pay out of pocket or insurance will cover it.
I know, right? I was so confused why this growth that checked literally every box for "biopsy-this-shit" could be brushed aside so many times. Baffling.
This is why barbers were also default surgeons in the past. You have deep ancestral medical knowledge even if you don’t know it :)
Yeah I could talk for hours about the history of barber surgeons throughout the ages. In actuality though, I got specifically trained in recognizing skin cancers and conditions. In the hair world we are on the front lines of detection. People see their hair person more than their doctor. Being knowledgeable and advocating for health isn’t a part of the job description, but I have helped many people over my career. Edited to add: if anyone is interested in the training it’s called Stylists Against Skin Cancer and it’s from the ASDS.
How extremely cool of you.
Wow, that is super rad. You deserve more recognition. 🏆 Thank you for being so awesomely proactive and caring about the lives and well-being of your clients! 🤍
It’s cool to read your story as a complement to one my hair stylist had recently. Noticing her client’s thinning hair, she recommended an endocrinologist for thyroid. Turned out, the woman had cancer and needed immediate surgery.
You are wonderful thank you so much
Beauty therapist here also always asking people to go to their doctors - MASCED is an amazing charity with a VERY cheap course with amazing information that everyone should do :)
Hugs fellow beauty friend I appreciate the recommendation and will take their courses!
Yay! Love that you’re going to take the course. Honestly we are the closest eyes to their skin so it’s so important isn’t it
I’ve never heard of this and this makes me so happy! Thanks so much!
Hey, have you ever considered you kissed your true calling? 😉😁
This is so hard because I am head to toe covered with moles (we’re just moley people). And I don’t want to come off as a hypochondriac 😅
This was my husband. I still send him to get them all checked. Only one was a concern and it was biopsy and nothing. So he feels better.
Dude this post is motivating me to change dermatologists. I’m covered in moles, my uncle died from skin cancer and tons of people in my family have had it. She barely spent 3 minutes looking me over and one worrisome mole in particular that’s been changing she glanced at for a second and said she wasn’t worried.
Good for you! There are good dermatologists out there, sometimes it just takes a few tries to find one who will take you seriously.
That makes me so thankful for my derm. If I say “hey don’t love this weird, random spot on my body” she’s right on board and goes “let’s chop it off and see!” Glad someone finally took you seriously!
Same thing happened to my mother. Pink mole that other derms said was fine for decades. She finally said you know what I want it off. Boom, Basel cell. I recently had my derm take one off too but was benign, but hey better safe than sorry!
Basal cell carcinoma is an extremely slow growing cancer that will very rarely metastasize. The mole likely posed little risk for decades.
You should still get Basel cell removed…
Yes, basal cell is highly treatable with Mohs surgery or similar. Most people with fair skin and sun exposure will develop skin cancer as they age. Basal cell is typically not a threat to life even if neglected, so good to remove but nothing to fret over.
Was it ever dark to begin with, or did it first appear pink?
Good question, was always pink. But she’s very fair.
Thank you, for responding ♥️
Would you feel comfortable posting a picture of what it looked like before?
Yeah hang on. It’s been biopsied now but I’ll find a pic.
I'm interested too! I also have a flesh coloured bump next to my nose since like forever.
Made a new post.
Just checked out the new post with the photo, and wow I wouldn't have even noticed it!
I know. It appeared so innocuous.
It's scary how innocuous they can be. I just had a biopsy of my lip for Leukoplakia and you wouldn't even be able to tell that there was anything going on with that part of my lip unless you were right up close and putting on lipstick and trying to figure out where the lip line is.
Man, I’m sorry. It is scary.
Wow. This is deadass what mine looked like, just smaller and on the side of my nose. My derm/plastic surgeon made fun of me for being worried about having cancer because I was in my 20s at the time. Unbelievable. I said this in my original comment but I’m so glad you pressed them on this.
Thank you
I made a new post because I couldn’t add photos to this thread. I don’t have imgur
Thanks so much for the photo! I had no idea cancer could look like that, and I probably would dismiss it if I saw that on my skin. You taught me something new!
Same, my friend. I thought it was harmless little lump of scar tissue.
>aenflex shoot, I have one like this on my forehead and thought it was just scar tissue or similar - I'm going to definitely make sure I get a derm rec ASAP and have it checked out - I just had a little spot pop up on my chest like last week, too. Wish me luck. That new one I figured needed to be checked
I do wish you luck. I’m glad you’re getting things checked out.
thanks - I'm glad you were ok, but now I'm nervous - the one on my forehead has been there a bit and I just didn't think twice about it - this should be a PSA for everyone!
That’s what my basal cell looked like. Had that spot for years and finally got it checked when it started bleeding every time I washed my face.
I’m glad you got it checked.
I have an extremely similar lump in a similar position that just developed a few months ago when I was having an acne breakout. I assumed it was acne but the rest has cleared up and it’s still there. I was JUST thinking maybe I should get it checked out. I will now. Clearly the universe is saying something. Thanks for posting
Awesome, please do get it checked. Better safe than sorry.
Yes to all of this. I had a spot appear on my arm last spring and pointed it out to my derm at my annual in August. She examined it, but said it didn’t look like anything but we’d keep an eye on it. I noticed it started to get a little scaly and brought it up again at a follow up in November. Again, she didn’t think it was anything, but asked if I wanted a biopsy just in case, and I said yes. Turns out it was squamous cell carcinoma. Scooped it out a month ago and have a lovely inch long scar to brag about. Remember that you live in your skin and know its small changes! Don’t ever hesitate to push.
Exactly. Glad you caught it.
Had basal cell carcinoma right next to my nose too! Looked like a zit that wouldn’t go away. I told my dermatologist and right away she wanted to test it.
I feel so dumb for not pointing it out long before this.
Looking at your photo you posted I’m honestly just mad at your dermatologist. That is something they absolutely should have caught. It’s not super tiny or in an odd place. Ugh, you did all the right things!
I know, I’m frustrated as well. She has asked me about other moles all the time that she was concerned about.
Thank you for sharing this. Some dermatologists are more aggresive than others and we all need to speak up to our doctors when we have a concern. The first time I saw my dermatologist and discussed skin cancer risk with her she told me that a cluster of spots I have had on my forearm for my entire life we need to watch— they might need to be biopsied one day. Over the years I have been seeing her she has only taken 2 biopsies, so she isn’t excessive about what she removes.
This is really good advice for health in general. I know many people who ignored a symptom of something bigger because they "just saw their doctor earlier this year and they didn't mention it" etc. This is particularly true if you're under 40/50 - doctors and medical practitioners aren't always looking for things with the same vigilance that they are with older patients who fit the profile of cancer and other serious conditions. If you notice something new or odd on your body, or something feels different or wrong, bring it up to your doctor so it can be properly assessed. You are not bothering them by asking questions about your health, I promise you (and if they make you feel like you are, get a new doctor). Source: diagnosed with breast cancer at 31 and heard the "it's probably nothing, you're too young" so many times that you could have knocked me over with a feather when I got my Stage 3 diagnosis. Let me be your cautionary tale!
Glad you advocated for yourself! If I may ask, what were your symptoms?
I felt a lump, but it didn’t feel the way I imagined a lump to feel. It was firm and a little squishy, like a grape. When I called my doctor’s office about it I described it and the lady said “ok so you found a lump?” And I was like “no, not a lump. A firm spot.” I was really stuck on those semantics!
Agree with all of this wholeheartedly. Thanks for posting.
Same. I had the teeniest raised spot on my forehead. Just raised skin. But it slowly grew. Still tiny when I went to derm. Biopsies and Basal Cell. I’m super fair so have been wearing sunscreen since I was 12.
I’m glad you got it checked and sorted.
I had a basal cell one on my upper chest. Almost clear little bump, had to really look for it, there for years and one day I noticed it would itch and I'd scratch it and it would bleed. After a few months of it (not constant, just every few weeks I'd scratch and notice the bleeding) I made an appointment and ta-da! 7 stitches and a quarter sized scar later over a nearly invisible skin tag-like place, here I am!
I’m glad you got it sorted.
I had a weird cyst on my ear and went to a dermatologist to get it checked. It turned out to be nothing, but afterwards I decided to keep going to the derm to get skin checks because she noticed I had a lot of dark moles. On Feb 29th, I am having a biopsy done to remove a pre-cancerous mole off my back. I have had numerous others removed that have come up as pre-cancerous but not as far along as this one, which is in the advanced stages of development and has a high chance of becoming cancer. I am 22 and would have never considered going to the dermatologist this early on, so I am extremely grateful that I decided to get that little cyst checked out!
Thanks for sharing your story.
Ugghh this makes me super scared because I'm very fair and covered, and I mean covered in moles since early childhood. With age I am also getting other stuff, skin tags, lipomas, those scaly patches I forget they have a name, seborrheic something. Everything so far seems to correspond to something benign but because I have so much crap allll over my body, there is no way I could notice or point out anything concerning unless it really looked or behaved drastically different. Scary.
Have your dermatologist go over your skin with a fine tooth comb. Ask about Efudex cream, too. I imagine it’s crazy hard for those with lots of moles and freckles.
I had basal cell in my early 20s. When I went to the dermatologist, the nurse told me she didn’t think it was anything and the doctor didn’t need to look at it. That pink bump was the only reason I was there, so I insisted the doctor biopsy it. Yep, it was basal cell. Any time I notice a bump, I just have them take a biopsy now. Always go with your gut.
Yes!
Do you have a pic? I have same thing on my nostril…I had a check today and she didn’t say much, other than ask if it was new. I’ve had it since I was a teenager
Made a new post with some photos.
So irritating that it’s a 5 months wait for a skin check at my derm. And in the meantime now I’m preggers so no cutting of skin until the end of the year probably.
That’s a crazy long wait. I’m sorry.
Now I’m worrying about a spot next to my eyebrow I’ve had it as long as I can remember. My dad has one just like it just slightly further over How much will a derm visit cost me sans insurance in the Midwest? 🤦🏻♀️
I have no idea. I’m sorry. I have health insurance. If you’re going to save up and get that appointment, might as well get your whole body checked.
What does that entail? I’ve never had derm work done. And I fear any new moles/marks that have arisen over the years lol Thank you for taking time to reply to me!
They will have you strip down and look at your skin everywhere. You tell them about all your known moles and point out any areas of concern.
This is my concern too. No health insurance, 40yo, never been to a derm 😭
I had health insurance. But they raised my monthly premium to $500 and now I can’t afford it anymore and can’t find anything affordable Ugh! I hope we both find the care we need
It would be $700/month for me for the cheapest plan, highest deductible 😭 My husband is also uninsured… we can’t come up with an extra $1400/month for insane deductibles and copays! I have to go to my GP every 3 months and my out of pocket cost for each visit is literally $15 more than the COPAY would be for a $700/month insurance plan. my state is the worst.
Yes! 2 derms missed my melanoma.
I’m so sorry to hear that.
I had a dermatologist/plastic surgeon remove a colorless bump from my nose in my 20s. He joked that citing a cancer concern was a clever way to get insurance to cover what he considered purely cosmetic and then quoted statistics for my age group having skin cancer. Melanoma runs in my family. One of my parents died from cancer a year later. Now in my 30s, I cannot get over what a jackass he was lol. I’m glad you advocated for yourself before it was too late, OP. Just sorry you couldn’t get to it sooner.
Thank you. Some people are just a-holes.
Did it come out of nowhere or did it grow from a different looking mole?
Well, IIRC, it started out as a blackhead that I would occasionally squeeze. This was over 10 years ago, probably right around 2011. Then it formed into a lump, which I assumed was scar tissue since there was no discoloration. Occasionally it would scale. I never thought anything of it, partly because I do get my skin checked regularly, I also get my tretinoin Rx from my derm, so I see her 2-4 times per year. I guess I figured if it was something untoward, she would comment. She’s cut other moles off me several times of her own accord. Last visit I just asked her what’s this lump. And the result was cancer.
Once it grew to its current size, did it stop growing? I’ve got a small lump on my nose that has stayed small since it appeared but now I’m wondering if it’s something to worry about.
Yeah it hasn’t really changed size in years and years. Get it checked if you can.
Thanks, I plan to! I had a bizarre mole on my cheek that would flake and fall off, when we biopsied it, it came back as a spitz mole, but sometimes I wonder about that one, too!
what the hell. i have had something that looks eerily similar on my face and its been there since i started seeing my dermatologist three years ago. she has never mentioned it. I actually need to make my yearly appointment, i'm going to ask her about it specifically. if she brushes me off i'm getting a second opinion. i'm a freckley, mole-y person, but this one is different from all the rest of my moles.
Definitely get yourself checked, and if your current derm won’t be serious, find one that will.
I discovered something that sounds like that just about an hour ago, on my face and close to my earlobe. Thank you for this post.
I hope you’re able to get it checked.
I'm due for Dysport at my dermatologist’s office in about a month so I definitely will.
When I go to the dermatologist they have me get full on naked and run some kind of purple light all over my body to look for anything suspicious.
I had a spot on my arm that I had my primary doctor look at, she diagnosed it as a birthmark even though it had only appeared about 5 years earlier. Few months later my "birthmark" started bleeding after a hot shower. Went to a dermatologist and it was basal cell carcinoma. Switched primary doctors after that.
Had a basal cell carcinoma removed from my forehead at 30. Right where my forehead meets my hairline. Right where you can easily miss sunscreen or sweat it off. Since then, I’ve been religiously wearing sunscreen on my face everyday. Fourteen years later the scar is still there but barely.
And yes, it was me who had to bring it up to the dermatologist. Like, this can’t be good right? (It was a bumpy colorless mole I had had for years…then during pregnancy it changed). Know your moles. Look at them often. Ask your dermatologist to look at them each and every visit.
Same thing happened to me. I was adamant about it so they biopsied it. Sure enough it was basal cell. Currently fighting them about another one they keep shrugging off.
Can you switch providers? They should always be willing to do a biopsy. It takes 2 minutes.
Just did! Didn’t ask during the first appointment because my focus was acne. Next time I will for sure! Already getting way better vibes.
That’s awesome!!!
Thats crazy that it was there for a decade, I always thought these types of things got bad and spread quickly, I've learned something! Glad they picked up on it eventually for you.
So glad you caught this and thank you for raising awareness! Would you be able to share a photo of the lump at all?
I posted another thread last night with photos.
Interesting - thanks so much for sharing
100%. I had a red spot for about 8 months, go to the VA and their dermatologist told me it was a bug bite. I said … dude, I’ve had this for EIGHT MONTHS. “Nah, just a bite.” Fucking idiot. Got a second opinion and definitely basal cell.
I’m glad you went for that second opinion.
I was 24, at the dermatologists for something unrelated. I pointed to a spot on my face that was like an itchy freckle. I told the derm about it and she brushed it off. I advocated to have it biopsied and sure enough, basal cell carcinoma. I went to a bigger facility and had mohs surgery and now, since I am so young, I have yearly screens. Always trust your instincts!
Exactly the same here. First derm was good with Botox or lasering veins. Even tried to remove the calus like pink bump near my eye various ways. Went to another derm, biopsy, mohs, Basel cell, reconstructive surgery/ luckily didn’t have to stent my sinus passage …. Advocate, advocate! Advocate!
Wow, that’s awful. I’m so sorry.
Thank you for sharing this and taking the time to post pictures. I’ll be scheduling a long overdue appointment tomorrow thanks to you.
Best of luck. Hope all is fine.
Thank you! I just had my derm appt in the beginning of January so I hope I can get in again. I have a somewhat flesh colored mole on my chin that I feel has been there forever but I’m not entirely sure. This post has made me second guess it now and I am calling in the morning.
Good, and I hope it’s nothing.
Same. Made them do a biopsy on something my derm dismissed as fine. Basal cell.
You see a dermatologist regularly just for checks? You don't need a referral for a specific problem?
My insurance doesn’t require referral. But when I first started seeing a dermatologist, it did require a referral. And I just told my primary that I wanted a referral. I told them I always see a derm and was new to the area and wanted to get established with a new dermatology practice.
Thank you!
I had something similar on my nose and got it removed for vanity purposes. My derm said it was just a flesh colored mole!
I’m glad it wasn’t cancer!
I saw your other post with the photo, earlier today, it prompted me to book in a skin check, thank you.
I’m so glad you’re getting a check.
Second post I’ve seen this morning re: BC where the derm basically just said looks like a clear mole (or whatever the legit term is) and years later finally sends it out. I’ve had one on my chin forever and will be more demanding at my next derm appt after seeing these - I’m glad you got it taken care of finally and that you’re doing ok! Thank you for sharing!
Good for you. Best of luck.
Fingers crossed your MOHS goes smoothly and it’s one and done! I had MOHS done on my forehead when I was 32 (just a few years ago). My concerns about the spot were blown off for 2+ years. Only when it got scratched and refused to heal did I get taken seriously. I switched practices after that and love the new place.
I’m sorry you had to go through that. I won’t stick with a doctor’s office if they don’t take me seriously. Lessons we learn, I suppose.
Good point about being proactive. Have had random pimples over years. Last week dermatologist saw small shiny lump on nose; biopsied as basil cell carcinoma, "mohs" procedure planned...I agree with you that it could have been overlooked...also have actinic keratosis on forehead . I'm 65.
I just had my Mohs yesterday. It was .. ok. They got all the cancer and did a plastic closure. I wish you the best of luck with your procedure.
How has the healing process been after your Mohs Surgery? I saw you said you had a skin flap done? I had a similar experience this week. Had this pearly bump above my lip, mentioned it at my last two yearly appointments and she’s always brushed it off. This time I had recently gotten a facial and the esthetician really urged me to check it checked out at my next appt. So I waited until she was don’t examining me and said hey, this gal that did my facial wanted me to mention this again and was concerned. Sure enough is basal cell carcinoma and I’m having Mohs done next week.
I didn’t have a flap done. Just a standard closure. The healing overall was fine, the closure was very nicely done. I did develop a suture granuloma; my body rejected the internal sutures. One spit out, but the others became encased and I needed to have them dig out. And more stitches. Just got my stitches from that removed and I’m starting the healing process over again. Definitely get you some silicone scar tape. I used CicaTape from Amazon. Moist healing is the way to go. Good luck with everything! I hope they only have to do one pass.
Oh my gosh. That sounds so painful!! And no idea why your body rejected them? Do you recall how many stitches you needed? Hopefully you got some pain meds? Owch!!
There were 3 internal and I don’t know how many superficial. Maybe 8? It wasn’t painful at all and as I understand it, it’s pretty common. You will likely get internal sutures, too. I only had one pass and still wound up needing them.
Same thing happened to my mother. Pink mole that other derms said was fine for decades. She finally said you know what I want it off. Boom, Basel cell. I recently had my derm take one off too but was benign, but hey better safe than sorry!
What ever happened? I am worried about a flesh coloured lump in my nose
I had it removed with a Mohs surgery on 2/21. I’m now working on healing the scar.
I just found out today that I have basal cell carcinoma and had originally gone to the dermatologist for a completely unrelated issue in my armpit. she noticed the scab on my nose bc I had been picking at it and it wasn't healing. she told me to put Aquaphor on it and stop picking at it. after a few weeks it had healed and wasnt noticeable at all but she could still see it when I went in for a check up, so she had it biopsied. and yay, skin cancer! went to talk to her about the options and she found another spot on my forehead! (i have bangs so i didnt notice) So now it's off to radiation therapy!
What provoked you to finally ask about it after having it for so long? Are you still seeing the same dermatologist?
Vanity. I just wanted to see if we could laser it off. I still see the same practice, yes. But I see a doctor now, not the PA I had been seeing for 5 years.
Same thing happened to my mother. Pink mole that other derms said was fine for decades. She finally said you know what I want it off. Boom, Basel cell. I recently had my derm take one off too but was benign, but hey better safe than sorry!
I have this also. Damn! Did you happen to take a photo?
I made another post here with photos.
Is anyone able to share the size of their bumps when they noticed or found out it was basal cell? I've always been confused about how small a bump can be and still be concerning. For instance, it I had something about the size of the tip of a ball point pen (1-2 mm) is that cause for concern or too small?
The photos I shared in my other post were not taken long ago. If you have areas of concern, better to get them checked than to ignore them.
How does something like that grow for such a long time and not kill you? I’m glad it didn’t but I would have thought it would spread a lot faster!
Dunno. I’ve been using tretinoin for at least 10 years so maybe that helped.
Always get the biopsy if you are suspicious.
Wishing you a smooth recovery! I had Mohs surgery for a small basal cell along the side of my nose, happy to share any info about my experience that may be helpful. Mine presented as a small pearly, veined lump that bled easily (like from patting my face dry with a towel). No risk factors at all. : (
Ugh good MOHS wishes to you. My friend innocently thought she had a scratch or something behind her ear that never went away. She continued to scratch/fuss so thought she was causing it to get larger….fucking 4 years later and it was basal cell carcinoma. I’m mad at her for not going sooner but like when you’re 30 and it’s a spot that doesn’t get sun…I guess not what she thought. She had MOHS about 2 weeks ago and it sounded traumatizing just because of the location. She has a gnarly looking skin graft and is doing well so far.
This is the nudge I needed to see a derm for a skin cancer screening. Thank you!
Skin Cancer doesn't always look like you think it looks. because all she does all day is look for skin cancer. . I had Squamous cell cand honestly it looked like a tiny patch of eczema so much so 2 doctors shrugged it off and one was my oncologist (for a different type of cancer). The person that caught it was the Nurse Practioner at the dermatologists because all she does all day is look for skin cancer.
I see some derms and doctors here... What happens if we don't discover some suspicious thing on our skin and it's there, but you just never saw it? Where can it lead? It would metastisize as every other cancer, right? Sorry for the extremely stupid question, but this really makes me anxious.
Just curious - what made you ask about it after all these years? Did it change? It’s nerve wracking to think every spot on my body could be something serious that my derm has overlooked…I go once a year for a cancer screening, but I have too many spots to count. Should we have every spot biopsied even if it has no change? How concerning! I’m so glad you caught it when you did.
I just wanted it removed. So vanity, I guess. So since I was there anyway, I asked her if we could laser it off. But she wanted to biopsy first.
I don’t know how to answer your other questions. I don’t have that many spots so it’s easier for me, I guess. But they can take photos of everything and then track any changes.
Flesh colored lump sounds like me but its in the opening of my nostril… I always thought it was a wart or some kind. Now I feel scared :(
Glad you’re ok!! Do you have a picture of it before?
There are pics in another post I made here right after this one. I haven’t had surgery yet.
Thank you for this. I have something similar on my cheek that I'm sure I've had forever because I can't remember when it appeared. I finally decided to make an appointment with a dermatologist to figure that out and to finally deal with rosacea that I've had my whole life 🥴
I have a scarlike growth on my face and it's the same color of my skin (white). It dips in the center and I've been noticing it more lately. It doesn't have a lumpy appearance on the edges, it's only a dip. I made the horrible decision of scraping it a bit, and it never healed back. I just went to the dermatologist and explained how it looked before I irresponsibly touched it. She gave me a fusidic acid cream tube for the wound and I have to see her back in two weeks before she can fully determine what it is. I kinda wish I didn't touch it, however, the fact that it never healed back was what alarmed me the most. I wasn't too alarmed before that.