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Well, all my sun burns and the couple tanning bed sessions finally caught up with me at age 31.

I went to the dermatologist to have her check a dark freckle on my lower back and she thought it should be biopsied due to the fact it was almost pencil eraser sized.
It came back as a dysplastic nevis. This means the cells were abnormal and left alone it would turn into a skin cancer. So yesterday I went back to see her and got a back full of numbing injections (y-ouch!), a nice incision about 1 inch deep and 2 inches long and 5 stitches in my back.  

Be careful guys! This freckle on my back did not in anyway look like the warning signs you see in the pictures of skin cancers. It was perfectly round, all one color, and completely flat! Not to mention I JUST turned 31. I didn't expect this to start so soon in life!

I learned a lesson to late! Use that sunscreen and if you have any doubts about any freckles on your skin, go see your dermatologist!!
Luv,
SWA TPA

SWA TPA, kudos for getting it checked out and taken care of. You should pat yourself on the back for not learning another lesson too late. Some skin cancers are deadly if allowed to spread, and we hear too many stories of people waiting until its too late. I'm glad you got this fixed before it was too late!!!!

This is why everyone, especially people with a history of skin cancer in their family, should do a skin survey each year, looking for the five signs of cancer:

Moles
Moles are often the harbingers of skin cancer. Dangerous signs are: New moles; a change in current moles; lumpy texture; pain; itchiness; scabs; crusts; and bleeding.

Pigment
Any change in skin pigmentation can be a sign of skin cancer. Look especially for brown or red spots that are rough or scaly in texture.

Sores
Any sores or scabs that are non-healing or reoccurring can be skin cancer. These sores are especially common on the face, ears, lips, nose and hands.

Mystery Scars
Some cancers that develop look like scars that are firm to the touch. If you have developed a scar who's origin is a mystery, it may be cancer.

Texture
Any change in skin texture or appearance can be a warning sign. Be on the lookout for rough or scaly patches; lumps and bumps; and discolored skin.



redngold

Glad to hear you caught it so early! Wow. I'm in shock!

It's a good thing you didn't tell me that you are a tanner! Stay out of the sun, girl!

Just a matter of time before I get my skin cancer.

SWA-TPA --
Thanks for bringing this up. I just got 4 moles removed last week (biopsy results pending). I am only 29, but fortunately more news about this disease is circulating, and more people are taking it seriously.

I guess it's tan in a can from now on....

Ok a little off topic but not really...

Northerners: remember, just because its snowing dont mean we cant get the old sun burn! there may be less sun, but the sun that does come along also reflects of the white snow, thus increasing the chance of this sorta thing... Just a reminder...

CanadianNorth

I have loads of moles (a childhood in AUstralia and the Middle East to blame) and I get them checked once a year. People with lighter complexions are more at risk

Don't know if you have heard of the Aussie saying: "Slip Slop Slap" (Slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat) Keep those 3 words in your mind when going out in the sun. 

Marius

Hmmm. I've never had skin cancer. You sure its from tanning and fake'n'bakes?

Signed, Hulk Hogan
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Seriously though. Good to hear you caught it in time before it became real serious!

"Slip Slop Slap"

Sounds like a romantic 777236ER-AA61hvy date.

Oh girl! I'm so glad you had it checked out and removed before it could become anything really bad.

I am not a tanner, but have a ton of moles and have already had two off. I guess I'll just have to keep an eye on them! Keep the incision clean and keep an eye on your other moles, SWA_TPA!