The sun is our friend, but not always

We hear all the warnings about skin cancer and especially melanoma. But I, like many others, grew up in an era without those warnings and we worshipped our tanned bodies. A nice tan made us feel healthier looking and yes, prettier.

I started annual skin checkups with a dermatologist shortly after age 60. I have had a fair number of spots the were or might be pre-cancerous frozen over the years, but only had one pre-cancerous spot on my nose. The PA in the dermatologist’s office prescribed Efudex cream to be used to clear up any other spots that might occur on my face. I blogged about it here…

I do keep an eye on my face, arms, and legs and in February noticed a spot on my left lower leg that would bleed when I scratched it. Cortisone applied and it seemed to heal. But the dry, scaly area stayed. By May, it had grown and I started taking photos of it from time to time. When my annual appointment time came, I showed the photo composite to the PA and she examined the spot. She agreed it needed a biopsy and could be basal cell carcinoma, which is what I also suspected from what I had read. She froze a spot on my left arm and proceeded to numb the area for the biopsy.

About ten days later, I got the call. It was squamous cell carcinoma in situ. There were clear margins at the bottom of the biopsy but still had SCC cells in the edges. So, it was back in to get the edges frozen and when that is healed, in about two more weeks, I start to apply Efudex for another two weeks. Then I’ll go back in six months unless I see something unusual or the healing isn’t happening.

So please, keep an eye on your skin. If you see something out of the ordinary, take a quick photo and save it with the date. Do this from time to time to chronicle any changes. If it goes away, you can toss the photos — or keep them for a bit in case it recurs. The point is, we’re getting older and the photos are a good tool to watch the progress of any skin changes. We don’t always remember. Mine was easy since it was at the top of my tattoo. You can measure the spot and note that with the photo, too. Just DO keep an eye on your skin and don’t be afraid to make an appointment with a doctor if you’re concerned.

P.S. I won’t show the photos but if anyone is interested, send me your email.