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I've been going for a yearly body scan for years because I have spent a lot of time in the sun and tanning beds. Over those years I would say I've been to about six different dermatologists. So I had a recent check up with a concern about a spot on my neck that just popped up in the last year. It has changed color, size, flakes and has raised up a few months a go. These are all signs there might be a problem but maybe not. So this new dr looks at it and says it's just a freckle. Then he points out a mole I have had since birth that has never changed shape, size, color or anything and says I should get that removed. That mole has been looked at by all of these other dr's and they have all said it's fine just leave it alone. So both things he told me seem to not make sense. The spot on my neck is more than a freckle, no doubt and the mole is all of a sudden an issue? I cant stand having to trust these dr's and not knowing for sure who is right. Anyone have an opinion that has had experience with skin cancer?
Btw, I don't go in the sun so much anymore or go to a tanning salon so don't need advice on that. : )
I would get another opinion. You know your body better than he does.
I had a spot that I could not see, next to my lip, that felt a bit rough. After 2 sessions of freezing it and it came back, I am now using chemotherapy cream to address it. Your neck spot sure sounds like a dangerous thing.
My derm said all sun-damaged skin has the potential to turn into actinic keratoses. Not all will, but of those which do, AKs become squamous cell carcinomas if not treated. I had a full-body mole check after my brother had a melanoma; his derm said his siblings should be checked as there may be some genetic component. I had over 75 spots frozen that day (quit counting after 75).
I had a flat dark mole on my chest since I was a child which had not changed. My dermatologist wanted it gone. She said that often times moles from childhood are the ones that turn to cancer.
So I had it removed. Pathology determined it was benign.
I've been going for a yearly body scan for years because I have spent a lot of time in the sun and tanning beds. Over those years I would say I've been to about six different dermatologists. So I had a recent check up with a concern about a spot on my neck that just popped up in the last year. It has changed color, size, flakes and has raised up a few months a go. These are all signs there might be a problem but maybe not. So this new dr looks at it and says it's just a freckle. Then he points out a mole I have had since birth that has never changed shape, size, color or anything and says I should get that removed. That mole has been looked at by all of these other dr's and they have all said it's fine just leave it alone. So both things he told me seem to not make sense. The spot on my neck is more than a freckle, no doubt and the mole is all of a sudden an issue? I cant stand having to trust these dr's and not knowing for sure who is right. Anyone have an opinion that has had experience with skin cancer?
Btw, I don't go in the sun so much anymore or go to a tanning salon so don't need advice on that. : )
hey Rapture, I've gone through this (and still do) and my primary care doc and the dermatologist I saw both said it is
Seborrheic Keratoses. Had the one of my neck removed but only because I kept brushing it when I brush my hair and such. Keratoses - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Information
I find the same with different Derm Docs at the VA.I go every year now for 10 years after having stage 4 melanoma.Some doctors really go over my body and others hardly examine me.I have had excellent care at the Veterans Med Center for other problems. My advice is get more opinions I know it can be expensive but its your life at stake.
Here's something I learned from a dermatologist: mole removal (and skin tag removal) is considered a cosmetic procedure, and is therefore generally not covered by insurance.
UNLESS: you ask for it to be biopsied, and the doctor agrees that it's a prudent idea. Then, it is considered a diagnostic procedure, and not a cosmetic procedure. And therefore - it's covered
Here's something I learned from a dermatologist: mole removal (and skin tag removal) is considered a cosmetic procedure, and is therefore generally not covered by insurance.
UNLESS: you ask for it to be biopsied, and the doctor agrees that it's a prudent idea. Then, it is considered a diagnostic procedure, and not a cosmetic procedure. And therefore - it's covered
I would not trust any Dr. or Medical clinic that didn't have a mole or growth tested after removal.its simply common sense to do it.
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