Do you know how to manage skin cancer? Chances are, if you’re a woman of experience, you’ve had a bout with skin cancer—or maybe more than one, as I have. Here’s how my journey with skin cancer has gone, and I’ve had four cancers. Oh, and thanks, sun, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation! (Not really…) I was burned frequently as a child, and I’m fair-skinned and have blue eyes, but lately, I have learned how to manage skin cancer.
Say no more, right? And “Skin cancer, be gone!”
Skin Cancer Caution for You:
If you see an unusual bump or lesion on your skin that doesn’t go away or maybe it goes away and comes right back, see a dermatologist. My skin cancers flaked, bled, disappeared, came back, some had pus, but they were all “stayers.” They tried to trick me.
Be prepared to wait for an appointment in many metropolitan areas but explain on the phone that you are worried about this “spot” on your skin. The earlier you catch skin cancer, the better. We’ll talk about three of the best-known skin cancers.
Basal Cell Carcinoma:
I learned a bit about how to manage skin cancer by default. Ten years ago, I had my first basal cell carcinoma removed on the left side of my nose. This is the most common type of skin cancer, not life-threatening. Now, there’s a little concave white area that’s easy to see, where the cancer was removed—and the pores are large, unfortunately. A year later, my hair stylist found one on my scalp, and that had to go. Yes, I do have hair there, but it’s just not as thick.
In December last year, I had another basal cell, a large one, removed from my left cheek. Unfortunately, it was there for far too long, at least a year, as it was misdiagnosed as a cyst and left to fester until I returned to another dermatologist for the correct diagnosis. I also failed at navigating the system at a large, academic medical center here. The incision was large, when it was removed.
Then, just a month ago, I had another tiny basal cell removed from below my left eye, and a large chunk of skin had to go with it because it had “multiple foci,” meaning there were little dots of cancer scattered about. Now, that eye actually looks smaller than the other one, and the lower lid doesn’t come up to my iris, the colored part of my eye. This one is the most troubling to me because my eyelid just isn’t the same. I’ll get over it…and am grateful the cancer is gone. This video here talks only about that big scar on my cheek: I hadn’t yet dealt with the skin cancer under my left eye.
Two other types of skin cancer are also problematic, and one can be fatal:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
This one is also not life-threatening, but it can increase in size and spread.
Melanoma:
This accounts for only 1% of skin cancers, but the majority of skin cancer deaths. This cancer can metastasize and spread to other parts of the body.
How Skin Cancer is Removed:
I chose a plastic surgeon with lots of experience removing skin cancers because, like you, I was concerned about how my face would look. And it’s been a sometimes concerning journey. The surgical procedure is called Moh’s surgery, after the doctor that invented it in the 1930s. The surgeon takes off little slices of the cancer, sends to a lab for another healthcare professional to look at them under a microscope, and keeps slicing until “it’s all gone.” Usually, the surgeon will get it all the first time, but sometimes they’ll take some more on a second round while you’re still there, or you may be asked to return.
Repairing Skin Cancer Scars:
I used silicone sheets, and still do, wearing them at night when I sleep, and at home during the day. I also bought a product that was recommended by my surgeon: Skinuva, which contains human growth factor. For sure, my scars look SO much better and I’m going to continue being faithful to my regimen. Maybe the skin around my left eye will stretch and start go look more normal. I hope so.
Oh, and sun screen or sun block must be worn to prevent scars from darkening. Heck, it should be worn anyway, all the time. If you have any concerns, speak up. And if you’re fair skinned or have a family history of skin cancer, as I do, see your dermatologist for a full-body skin check at least twice a year.
Finally, I am not a healthcare professional, but a healthcare journalist, providing education about my experience with skin cancer. Take care of your wonderful self! For detailed information on how to manage skin cancer, see the American Cancer Society or The Skin Cancer Foundation.