Sorry to bring up a damper on this normally light hearted forum.
Today I got the all clear following surgery after being diagnosed with Skin Cancer just before Christmas
Now the point of this post is to highlight the risk of Skin Cancer. I consider myself very fortunate in having it diagnosed so early. The melanoma was on my back, above my shoulder blade and it was only because I was being treated for something else, sun damage related, that the dodgy mole was seen. If it hadn't been for that fact who knows when the melanoma and at what stage it would have been identified. My Melanoma was .73 mm thick, they start getting serious when they exceed 1mm thick. The consultant who saw the mole was himself in two minds as to whether it was worth removing or not, it was only because I said remove it, it was done.
As to my sunbathing history, I used to do it during my teens and early 20's but I have never done it since apart taking my shirt off when working in the garden or on the car on a sunny day. I think like most people I thought I wouldn't get it but I did so all I can say is it may happen to you. So if you get an itchy mole or one that bleeds and or one that changes colour (get your other half to check your back) see your doctor. I think my doctor thought mine had changed colour
You made it light hearted even though the subject is far from that. Congrats on the all-clear
SWMBO noticed an 'odd' looking mole on my back some years ago and packed me off to the doc. Fortunately, it wasn't a melanoma but something that looked like one (I think the doc said it was a reversed pore or something like that). Anyway, I didn't want it so got her to cut it out (freeze.. knife job.. a couple of stitches). It could easily have been something far more nasty so as Paul said, if in doubt.. check it out
Not a lecture Paul but good advice...good to hear that the result was positive
I spent a lot of my childhood and later life living in the tropics and until recently have always been a bit of a sun-worshipper..I struggle with winter
I've had a couple of non-malignant moles taken off and do worry about the rest...
Good call mate
Derek
'My Auntie Mabel told me I'd make a great soldier, though I don't know how 30 years working in a biscuit factory had qualified her to make that judgement.....' Eddie Nugent
DaveB wrote:# Anyway, I didn't want it so got her to cut it out (freeze.. knife job.. a couple of stitches). It could easily have been something far more nasty so as Paul said, if in doubt.. check it out
ATB
DaveB
Although more women are diagnosed with the disease, more men die from it. This suggests that men are either not aware of skin cancer symptoms or are ignoring them and putting off going to see their GP. It’s crucial that people go to their doctor as soon as they notice any unusual changes to their skin or moles – the earlier the cancer is diagnosed the easier it will be to treat.
Paul
If God had meant us to fly, he would have given us tickets.
This is good news Paul, and good news is always welcome! It is good to be reminded of the dangers involved, it could happen to all of us. A friend of mine had a small mole removed from her face in a similar situation. If you catch it early it's a minor issue but you don't want to be too late.
Due to shortages and cutbacks the light at the end of the tunnel has been switched off.
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I suffer from paranoid amnesia. I can't remember who I don't trust.