PSA: Wear Sunscreen!

[sterl724]

Just spent almost 4 hours at the dermatologist. I had a mole biopsied a few weeks ago, and they determined it was pre-cancerous basil cells.

*Possible TMI - this is a little gross.*

I had to go in today and get it removed. The procedure involved taking out the "tumor" and skin around it to ensure they get it all. They take some, check it, take more if needed, etc. I had to get stuff taken out several times before they got it all. (Meaning cutting into me numerous times). Doc said they took out almost a nickle sized area of skin, and it was a kind of deep into the skin. I ended up with about 20 stitches (mostly internal, so minimal scar, thank goodness).

This all stemmed from a mole smaller than the eraser on a pencil. I'm 27, and now have to get checked every year or two indefinitely. Granted, I'm fair skinned and mostly Irish, but still.

The whole procedure actually kind of sucked. I actually got woozy and nauseated several times, and got dizzy on my way to the car and had to sit.

I learned my lesson the hard way - so make sure you wear sunscreen, because this is no fun!!

[vajeana]

My back looks like swiss cheese. It really isn't fun at all. Glad you got it taken care of, and continue with your annual (if not twice a year) skin checks.

[dcannie]

if you ever have to type/write it again, it's basal.

eta: where was it located? 4 hours is a long ass time.

[sterl724]

Jun 27, 2012 12:30:38 GMT -5 dcannie said:

if you ever have to type/write it again, it's basal.

eta: where was it located? 4 hours is a long ass time.

It is on my chest, about halfway between my chin and my boobs - closer to my boobs - right in the middle.

The procedure was called Mohs (I think that's how it was spelled.) In between each "removal" they have to examine it and check for anything suspicious, etc. Most of the time was in the waiting room in 30-40 minutes chunks while they checked what they removed. Then the stitches took a little bit as well. It took as long as it did because of how many times they had to go back in and take more.

[dcannie]

Jun 27, 2012 12:36:48 GMT -5 sterl724 said:

Jun 27, 2012 12:30:38 GMT -5 dcannie said:

if you ever have to type/write it again, it's basal.

eta: where was it located? 4 hours is a long ass time.

It is on my chest, about halfway between my chin and my boobs - closer to my boobs - right in the middle.

The procedure was called Mohs (I think that's how it was spelled.) In between each "removal" they have to examine it and check for anything suspicious, etc. Most of the time was in the waiting room in 30-40 minutes chunks while they checked what they removed. Then the stitches took a little bit as well. It took as long as it did because of how many times they had to go back in and take more.

hmm, i've never had mine checked in office. i've gotten called back after a week to get more tissue excised, but never same day.

[sterl724]

This was separate from the biopsy. They did that a few weeks ago. I'm not sure how they check it, because after the biopsy, it was over a week before I heard anything back from them. I'm not sure how they check it in office exactly. I'm guessing it's something that has a lot of set up, because apparently they have like 2 mornings a month that all they do is these procedures. (There were 3-4 other people in the waiting room getting the same procedure done.) I'm guessing it's easier to set up and do a bunch at once, rather than one every day or two.

[nahoku]

Ouch, sorry you had to go through it! It is actually on my to-do list for today to make an appt with a derm to look at some of my moles. Hope you heal quickly!

[Deleted]

WOW! What an ordeal. Glad you are healthy.

This reminds me I have to schedule my appt w/my derm. I want to have a few moles removed

[dcannie]

Jun 27, 2012 12:46:39 GMT -5 sterl724 said:

This was separate from the biopsy. They did that a few weeks ago. I'm not sure how they check it, because after the biopsy, it was over a week before I heard anything back from them.

yeah, i mean outside of the biopsy too. i've never had mohs though, only normal excisions.

[Deleted]

My mom had Mohs done twice on her nose for basal cell. Wasn't fun. Lots of nerve endings in the nose.

[dcannie]

Jun 27, 2012 13:16:48 GMT -5 fields said:

My mom had Mohs done twice on her nose for basal cell. Wasn't fun. Lots of nerve endings in the nose.

yikes. my worst was under a fucking toenail. i was almost climbing the walls. this was just normal excision, not mohs.

[sawyerthedestroyer]

Add me to the list of people that have a trip to the derm on their to-do list. I have one on my face I need to have looked at.

[sterl724]

Glad my morning could be a gentle reminder for you ladies!