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From the lens Melanoma and other Skin Cancer - Do YOU have it?.

This one is for you the reader. What do you think? Do you have personal experience? What did you learn that you can share? Tell us all thing you know that will benefit us. Come on, do it, don't be afraid. Thanks.

  • patientcouk Apr 23, 2012 @ 12:45 pm | delete
    An excellent in depth lens so many thanks for putting so much work into it. A definite 'Like' from the team at Patient.co.uk.
  • Baker Apr 14, 2012 @ 6:32 am | delete
    My husband has recently been diagnosed with chroidal Melanoma. A disease that we had never ever heard of. The shocking news about this kind of melanoma and it's devastating effects is horrible. We had no idea that it is basically the same thing as skin cancer only it's located in the eye. At the present time he is being treated for it but unfortunately,it can and often does metastize in the lung or liver.
  • huvalbd Feb 29, 2012 @ 3:38 pm | delete
    I am especially glad you provided links to videos. I find those more informative than brochure pictures.
  • mihgasper Feb 24, 2012 @ 2:13 pm | delete
    Thanks for providing so great info. With better overall knowledge we could all benefit.
  • mihgasper Feb 24, 2012 @ 2:13 pm | delete
    Thanks for providing so great info. With better overall knowledge we could all benefit.
  • Janiece Sep 29, 2011 @ 5:59 am | delete
    Very valuable information about skin cancer! Blessed by a Squid Angel!
  • BruceBair Sep 29, 2011 @ 9:34 am | delete
    Thank you for coming to my lense and leaving your blessing. I really feel quite privileged.
  • ABDUVAKKOS KARIMKULOV Sep 26, 2011 @ 9:47 pm | delete
    Hi, all!
    I currently have got a little bump on my skin, on my back right on the spine between my shoulders, that hasn't been healed for a few weeks. a couple of times i scratched it off because i there was watery puss in it and i thought it was an acne. And it hurts little bit when i touch it. However, now i think it is not going to heal away by itself.I haven't seen a doctor yet. I think i'll have to go to see a doctor to get checked for cancer now.
  • BruceBair Sep 27, 2011 @ 10:55 am | delete
    I strongly recommend you see your physician about any non-healing skin sore. Quit picking it!
  • debnet Sep 14, 2011 @ 8:45 am | delete
    Blessed by A Squid Angel ;)
  • BruceBair Sep 15, 2011 @ 7:16 am | delete
    Thank you very much! It is very kind of you.
  • BruceBair Dec 8, 2011 @ 10:11 am | delete
    Thank you so much. I missed this before. It is an honor to have your blessing.
  • miaponzo Sep 3, 2011 @ 3:57 am | delete
    I have had a scare or two.. but thank God they turned out to be other things :) I almost never go in the sun, and I cover up well to protect myself :)
  • BruceBair Sep 3, 2011 @ 5:52 am | delete
    I am glad your scares were false alarms for you. It is good to protect yourself and I practice prevention also but it is also good to get enough sun for vitamin D production. If not get tested and if Vit D is low, take a D3 supplement. The test is for 25OH vitaminD. Thanks for sharing your experience and commenting on this lens. Much appreciated.
  • writer_cb Jun 29, 2011 @ 12:32 am | delete
    Thank you for the tips. My father passed away from metasticized melanoma skin cancer in late 2008. It popped out of nowhere and surprised us all. It was not detected early, obviously. I still miss him a lot, and nowadays I take extra care to put sun screen on and not get too much sun, just in case I get it. I've gone to get my skin checked once, and so far it seems I'm alright. But better safe than sorry. Thank you for your informative lens.
  • BruceBair Jun 29, 2011 @ 12:39 pm | delete
    You are very welcome. I am sorry to hear about your father but appreciate you sharing your experience. Sounds like you are doing the right things and setting a good example of how to care for your skin and detect potential problems early.
  • promotional-coupons-codes Jun 17, 2011 @ 12:40 am | delete
    Hi I never know what I have but I always have some or the other skin infections. Few days back I had some round shape like allergies which use to itch a lot and burn. Now I don't have any but they come by them self.
  • BruceBair Jun 17, 2011 @ 6:18 am | delete
    I am sorry you have those problems. That they come and go is probably a indication of a more allergic problem. I you treat them like allergies and they do not respond quickly, go to your doctor or dermatologist.
  • Tipi May 14, 2011 @ 11:17 am | delete
    This is a subject very close to my heart and I can not emphasize everything you have said here enough. We lost my Dad in the most terrible way to malignant melanoma which started as a change to a mole behind his ear. He had very invasive surgery but at that time the size was a death sentence. He had chemo and radiation which just destroyed a lot of tissue and the tumor eventually was grapefruit sized and weeping continually with a horrible smell even though the bandages were changed often. It didn't take long before there were too many tumors to count and growing voraciously until he went to sleep for the last time on this earth to awake in heaven.
  • Sam May 1, 2011 @ 5:02 pm | delete
    Im quite worried about my mole (had from birth) because it is large (about 8mm) but is perfectly circular and seems normal, apart from slight black coloured specks around it, the first time i saw it i thought it was maybe some dirt or something, but even after washing it, it hasnt gone away. What should i do and maybe you could give me some advice about it. Thanks
  • BruceBair May 1, 2011 @ 5:21 pm | delete
    Hi Sam,
    I can not possibly advise you on your mole, I always tell my own patients that I can not do dermatology over the phone. I can say this, Melanoma is usually from a new lesion, rarely from changes in an existing one. The well demarcated edges are some relief but you really need a pair of eyes on it that are experienced. I suggest you have your personal health care provider look at it or you call and schedule an appointment with a board certified dermatologist in your area. Have them look at that one but also do a complete skin exam including your nail beds, between your toes, the back of your eye and between your legs in natural light or under full spectrum daylight bulbs. Hope this helps.
  • yourgoldenfuture Apr 27, 2011 @ 9:24 am | delete
    well done ... interesting info...
  • BruceBair May 1, 2011 @ 5:21 pm | delete
    Thanks
  • Philippians468 Jan 9, 2011 @ 8:45 am | delete
    i really love the sun but alas i guess the saying is true: all in moderation!
  • BruceBair May 1, 2011 @ 5:22 pm | delete
    How true. Avoid prolonged exposure. You need some sun to help produce vitamin D but it should not make you red.
  • Sue Sep 29, 2010 @ 1:22 pm | delete
    I went to Dermatologist office but have only been seen and treated by the PA-C. I just found out the spot on my face is Basal Cell Carcinoma and am scheduled for surgery for next week to be performed by the PA-C. I am just wondering if this is standard or if I should be seen by the doctor at some point?
  • BruceBair Sep 30, 2010 @ 6:13 am | delete
    Sue, I hear the concern in your comment. Yes, PA's are trained in plastic surgery techniques and treatment for this problem. It is fair for you to ask about any person's experience and qualifications. When I do ER work, I often repair facial lacerations. One comment I get is don't I need a plastic surgeon. the answer is "I can get one in here in about 2 hours but I have done this procedure many times and I do not do things I don't have the skills and knowledge to do." You person should be the same. I like to tell people about all my skills and now with smart phones I can show them some pictures of before and after. Be assertive and ask.
  • Ike Nov 29, 2009 @ 3:25 pm | delete
    Nice page thanks great information i learn a few things 5 stars!
    tummy tuck before and after
  • BruceBair Sep 21, 2009 @ 12:37 pm | in reply to ftuley | delete
    I hope the appointment proves all you have is a benign problem. Best wishes and thank you for you visit and comment.
  • Sep 21, 2009 @ 7:38 am | delete
    Great information 5*, I just found something like that on my body, have an appointment to see my doctor tomorrow, I'm hoping is not cancer. But thanks for the information given here.
  • BruceBair May 25, 2009 @ 6:47 pm | in reply to Kris | delete
    I have been looking at skin and other patient problems for the last 38 years. During those years I talk to you about you, not about me. Whether I have or not is personal, sorry.
  • Kris May 25, 2009 @ 1:05 pm | delete
    Thank you Bruce. Do you have or did you ever have skin cancer?

    -Kris[in reply to BruceBair]
  • BruceBair May 24, 2009 @ 8:36 am | in reply to Kris | delete
    Hi Kris, Unfortunately dermatology is one of those things you have to do in person. There is nothing like seeing the "mole" in question. Even a seasoned Dermatologist may not be able to tell you with certainty without a biopsy. A biopsy is a minor procedure were a portion or all of a questionable area on your skin is surgically removed at the Dermatologist office. That piece of your skin is then sent to a DermatoPathologist who is a specially trained physician. He or she will prepare the specimen and then slice it thinly. Using some special staining techniques to enhance certain features, the specimen will be examined under a microscope and this will tell the story of benign or malignant. Most lesions are benign or have a low malignancy that is cured by doing the biopsy. My advice is to have an experienced physician look at the "mole" and decide what needs to be done. Let your fear motivate you to action and not freeze you into ignoring it.
  • Kris May 23, 2009 @ 8:47 pm | delete
    If you or anyone could respond to this, I would be mostly appreciated. I have a mole, or what I think is a mole, and it looks red, and some brown spots in it? I am very nervous, and don't know what to do. It all started when I put on my baithingsuit, I swim. I was walking to the poo, and I felt an irratated spot on the inside of my leg. Do you think it it cancer, or just an irratation?

    Thank you
  • SkinCancerAdvice May 11, 2009 @ 2:43 am | delete
    Hi,
    Very helpful information and useful advises on skin cancer. 5 stars.
  • Brittany Nov 7, 2008 @ 9:05 am | delete
    Hello, yes it is very important to get a skin check up. :P
  • Chris McCann Mar 20, 2008 @ 10:09 am | delete
    I think it is so important that people become more educated about skin cancer. I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 1989. If our family had knowledge of this dreadful cancer I could have avoided this mess. After my surgery I had spent 10 years a the University of Penn Melanoma Clinic. The more people know how dangerous this cancer can be the more they will stay out of the sun and use protective clothing and sunscreen.

    Chris McCann
    Cause Advisor
    ForYourCause.com

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BruceBair

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