I just got a call from my dermatologist to tell me that the mole they cut off my back at my annual checkup last week was pre-cancerous, but removed entirely during the biopsy. So I'm good - this time, but I have to admit I've been nervous waiting for the results.
But what if I hadn't been going to an annual checkup? I would have probably been dealing with something far worse in a year or so. A friend of mine from college ended up with melanoma under her toenail - that was undetected at first because she wore nail polish to her visits. Four surgeries later she is ok but it was a scary time.
My point being - if you aren't getting checked all over by your primary care physician, or if you have a lot of moles, or a family history - make an appointment with a dermatologist and get checked out once a year.
This concludes my public service announcement. :-)
But what if I hadn't been going to an annual checkup? I would have probably been dealing with something far worse in a year or so. A friend of mine from college ended up with melanoma under her toenail - that was undetected at first because she wore nail polish to her visits. Four surgeries later she is ok but it was a scary time.
My point being - if you aren't getting checked all over by your primary care physician, or if you have a lot of moles, or a family history - make an appointment with a dermatologist and get checked out once a year.
This concludes my public service announcement. :-)
