An email from a Premier Dermatology patient to friends
Hello friends -
I am writing this mass email because I wanted to share some medical news (don't worry, it has a happy ending) with you all and then pass on some good advice. About a month ago I went to my dermatologist to get my annual skin check, and they found a freckle/mole that was oddly colored - it was about the size of an earring backing. They took a tiny biopsy, and it turned about to be melanoma.
Well, being type A, I immediately conducted frantic internet research (which is always accurate and never over-hyped) and learned that melanoma is not good, not good at all. I then had follow up testing - blood work, x-rays, - to see if it had spread anywhere. Thankfully, it had not.
I then had an "excision" where they cut a wide 5 inch elliptical swath around the spot to get all the melanoma cells out. Since I caught it early (T-1-a/b for those who are curious) they did not cut very deep, but I now have a 5" incisions in my arm, which will serve as a constant reminder to wear sunscreen.
I am very lucky that I caught it early. Melanoma is very curable if caught early; if it spreads, it is very aggressive. I caught it early because I go get annual skin checks at my dermatologist, and I am sending this to urge you all to make an appointment to get a skin check and then keep it up annually. It literally takes 10 minutes at the doctor's office. Please please make an appointment soon.
And stay out of the sun, or if you go into the sun, please wear really good sunscreen!
Remember, pale is the new black!
K
If you’d like more information on sunscreen options or come in for a skin cancer screening. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.
415-371-8600 (SF office)
650-551-9700 (Peninsula office)
