Where in Asia for minor skin cancer treatment?

[alw22]

I try to be careful with my sun exposure, but I guess pale skin is no match for the equatorial sun, even at only 35.  I've had a slightly raised bump on my upper back for months that sometimes get scratched open and never really heals.  After reading a bit about basal skin cancer, I suspect that may be it.

 

Supposedly Thai doctors have very little experience with skin cancer, so I was wondering if it made sense to go somewhere else nearby.  For example, I was very impressed by healthcare in Taiwan after a quick trip to the hospital for an ear infection was completed for less than $10 with very professional and modern care.

 

Cost isn't a huge concern for me, but I don't mind traveling to another nearby country if it means saving $1000.

 

Obviously covid complicates things, but just looking for skin cancer treatment opinions in this thread.

[lopburi3]

Any hospital dermatologist can take and have biopsy check to rule out SCC or BCC.  The issue here is they might overlook something if just a general exam as few have much experience other than textbook photos but if you request a biopsy am sure they will be happy to do.  Getting something checked and treated should not be an issue.  I have had both BCC and SCC removed at 5 different hospitals in Bangkok over the years.

[Sheryl]

There is an excellent skin cancer specialist in Pattaya as follows+

 

https://www.bangkokpattayahospital.com/en/doctor-profile?v_id=7&depid=2

 

Trained and worked in the US for years

[Lacessit]

Had a wart removed in Chiang Mai, thought it might have been a skin cancer. 8000 baht at McCormick Hospital, including pathology.

[wasabi]

Any recommendations for skin cancer specialists in Bangkok? I recently went to a Dr about a spot of bother at BNH. He looked at it and said not cancer. He might be right but I'd like a more thorough exam.

[4MyEgo]

1 hour ago, alw22 said:

After reading a bit about basal skin cancer, I suspect that may be it.

3 years ago I was pretty much looking for the same advice here on TVF and Sheryl responded to which I am gratefully appreciative of to date.

 

When I was in Sydney on holidays I went to a dermatologist to get a mole looked at on my face and the dermatologist cut it out, I didn't think anything more of it.

 

When I returned here my GP sent me an email with the dermatologists letter which said he didn't get it all out and that the basal carcinoma had to be further removed. I called the Dr and he said not to worry and go to a plastic surgeon with the letter and he/she will know what to do.

 

Long of the short Sheryl referred me to a public hospital up this way, they checked it out and booked me in a week later, cut and removed it all under a local at the minimal cost of 6,000 baht, originally an 80mm scare, now, nothing. 

Edited May 31, 2020 by 4MyEgo

[lopburi3]

1 minute ago, 4MyEgo said:

Long of the short Sheryl referred me to a public hospital up this way, they checked it out and booked me in a week later, cut and removed it all under a local at the minimal cost of 6,000 baht, originally an 80cm scare, now, nothing. 

Be aware a wide margin removal by a plastic surgeon at a private hospital will likely be over 30,000 baht (and I base that on prices 4 years ago) - much, much less if not a plastic surgeon.  

[bkk6060]

Have had very good experiences here with Dermatologists. Had a couple of basils removed in Pattaya and Chiang Mai.  Most major hospitals have well trained Doctors a big waste to go to another country.

 

And, sorry to sound like your mommy but wear lots of sunscreen here.

[Captain Monday]

Really OP  do not self-diagnose.

"After reading a bit about basal skin cancer, I suspect that may be it."

 

I have had a few lumps and bumps peeled off, insurance pays for biopsy even thought the cute lady Dermatologist  I used to have

said it was fine. Now I go to the clinic in Chiang Mai Ram hospital if I have any concerns

 

The time I self diagnosed I had a whitish one on the seam of my face and nostril> Those can be basal carcinoma

She was concerned. Nothing. Just get it checked first before you panic. Real skin cancer is a killer.

Edited May 31, 2020 by Captain Monday

[phetphet]

I always go to see Associate Professor Dr. Niyom Tantikun at Bumrungrad for my skin checks. He has removed a couple of suspicious bits under local anaesthetic.

 

 

[lopburi3]

10 minutes ago, Captain Monday said:

She was concerned. Nothing. Just get it checked first before you panic. Real skin cancer is a killer.

Let's not panic as we are talking BCC/SCC and they do not often kill anyone and are very slow growing and easily treated.  You seem to be thinking Melanoma which indeed is serious and normally appears as a brown or black spot a bit larger than a mole.

 

Quote

 According to the Canadian Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for basal cell carcinoma is 100 percent. The five-year survival rate for squamous cell carcinoma is 95 percent.

 

[Captain Monday]

55 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

Let's not panic as we are talking BCC/SCC and they do not often kill anyone and are very slow growing and easily treated.  You seem to be thinking Melanoma which indeed is serious and normally appears as a brown or black spot a bit larger than a mole.

 

 

Thanks. I am not a Dermatologist that is why I consult with them.

[Denim]

18 hours ago, alw22 said:

After reading a bit about basal skin cancer, I suspect that may be it.

 

Get a biopsy done. Other than a basal cell carcinoma there is also the squamous carcinoma which is more serious. Both the carcinomas I have had removed ( cheek and nose ) were squamous.

 

I have another couple that need removal asap but with Covid 19 I have not been able to travel to Bangkok to see my dermatologist.

 

I wish now I had started using a sun block when I first arrived in Thailand since prevention is better and cheaper than cure.

[Sheryl]

4 hours ago, wasabi said:

Any recommendations for skin cancer specialists in Bangkok? I recently went to a Dr about a spot of bother at BNH. He looked at it and said not cancer. He might be right but I'd like a more thorough exam.

It is worth making the trip to Pattaya to see Dt. Anna.