CancerCompass message board discussion started by Verbatim on 6/13/2005 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,2253,0.htm Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ My father had a skin cancer on his forehead which a docter has removed ( Basal Cell Carcinoma (Morphoea like)). Now the doctor is saying he may not have got it all ( he took a decent chunk). The doc also says that all there is to do is wait and see. What we are worried about is a) reocuurance b) re occurance that we cant see ie deeper c) that by waiting we are doing harm/letting it spread. From what little I have read BCC dosent spread generally to other places on the body, so thats good, but is there a chance it could be growing where it cant be seen? *Should my father be following up with radiation therapy? *How often should he go to the doc to check on it? *Should we be worried or is it a good chance it was gotten early and its gone now? Thanks for your help. Verbatim Mon, 13 Jun 2005 00:00:00 GMT Shawn, I read you e-mail about your concerns regarding possibly having melanoma. I work for a dermatolgist who has been in the practice for about 30 years. I've done medical transcription for 8 yrs. What you describe does not sound like melanoma but there are numerous skin conditions that exist and there are other health conditions that manifest themself in the skin, rashes, neuropathy (pain or sensation without presence of rash etc.) My suggestion would be to see a medical dermatologist perhaps one affiliated with a large hospital. I don't know where you are from but for example, the Hospital of the University of Penn. has a dermatological depart- ment as well the Pigmented Lesion Clinic, specifically for melanoma and dysplastic nevus (atypical nevus) patients. I would agree your symptoms warrant investigation. Your primary or family doctor should be able to direct you. Don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion or change doctors if they are not addressing your concerns. Hope this helps. Leemg Tue, 05 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT I've worked for a dermatologist for over 8 years. There are basically three types of skin cancer, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Malignant Melanoma. Basal Cell is probably the most common, Malignant Melanoma the most deadly. You are correct, Basal Cell Carcinomas do not spread to other areas of the body but are usually a result of sun damage and should be removed. As long as the area of the lesion heals it shouldn't be of any concern, however, if he should develop a bump or other type of lesion within that same spot it should definitely be addressed. Also, once a patient has one basal cell carcinoma he is likely to have more so they should be followed by a dermatologist on a yearly basis and sooner if something else suspicious develops. Radiation is usually not indicated for this type of cancer. Leemg Tue, 05 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT