Best Bangkok hospital for facial skin cancer?

[hellohello]

hi roo,  

Any luck with BKK Phuket Mohs?  A friend just got a DX with Basal cell.   So Im following up for her. Thanks.

 

Edited February 15 by hellohello

[Roo Island]

On 2/15/2024 at 1:30 PM, hellohello said:

hi roo,  

Any luck with BKK Phuket Mohs?  A friend just got a DX with Basal cell.   So Im following up for her. Thanks.

 

I've got an appointment with the doc who does Mohs at Samitivej next week. Fingers crossed!

[watthong]

On 2/3/2024 at 9:20 AM, superal said:

I hear that skin cancer in Thailand is not common within the natural Thai person but maybe in expats etc and in a similar way , in Australia I believe skin cancer effects many of the white European immigrants . 

I try to avoid the strong mid-day sun and also wear a hat sometimes , especially when I played golf . Not the baseball cap as that does not protect your ears . Wider the hat rim the better .

 

I'm an American of Asian descent. Being Asian, I believe (rightly or wrongly) that I have "stronger" skin and "stronger" eye (brown vs blue) than my white American counterpart. But being American, especially one from California, I also have acquired the life long habit of sunbathing. Ever since coming to Thailand and retiring here permanently, say about 10 yrs ago, and carrying on with that habit while living in pollution choked Bangkok under a much harsher sun that that from Los Angeles, and believing that I had "tougher" skin, I kinda ignored all the protective cream/lotion that doctors recommend. As a result of that sun worshipper lifestyle, getting out of the pool in mid day, then sun bathing for another hour or so with little UV protection, I have damaged my skin almost beyond repair. Considering all the elements above it was like I was basting my skin - which is aging - with all kinds of toxic substance, then baking it in an oven to a crisp on a daily basis. 

 

I think at some point my skin had gotten stripped off of all its protective layers. Soon eczema struck. I could not take a regular shower or jump into a chlorinated pool. Re daily "shower" I had to put epsom salt and vitamin D into a big bucket of tap water before I could splash it onto my body. I could no longer use regular soap but had to rely on dermatologist recommended body gel. Luckily since covid we have moved to the city outskirts where there are lots of greenery, less pollution and that has helped restoring my skin to somewhat normal living standard. I can jump into a regular pool now but can not stay in the chlorinated water for more than half an hour. Still have to use gel instead of soap, but I can now "enjoy" the regular shower, what a blessing!

[Roo Island]

19 hours ago, watthong said:

 

I'm an American of Asian descent. Being Asian, I believe (rightly or wrongly) that I have "stronger" skin and "stronger" eye (brown vs blue) than my white American counterpart. But being American, especially one from California, I also have acquired the life long habit of sunbathing. Ever since coming to Thailand and retiring here permanently, say about 10 yrs ago, and carrying on with that habit while living in pollution choked Bangkok under a much harsher sun that that from Los Angeles, and believing that I had "tougher" skin, I kinda ignored all the protective cream/lotion that doctors recommend. As a result of that sun worshipper lifestyle, getting out of the pool in mid day, then sun bathing for another hour or so with little UV protection, I have damaged my skin almost beyond repair. Considering all the elements above it was like I was basting my skin - which is aging - with all kinds of toxic substance, then baking it in an oven to a crisp on a daily basis. 

 

I think at some point my skin had gotten stripped off of all its protective layers. Soon eczema struck. I could not take a regular shower or jump into a chlorinated pool. Re daily "shower" I had to put epsom salt and vitamin D into a big bucket of tap water before I could splash it onto my body. I could no longer use regular soap but had to rely on dermatologist recommended body gel. Luckily since covid we have moved to the city outskirts where there are lots of greenery, less pollution and that has helped restoring my skin to somewhat normal living standard. I can jump into a regular pool now but can not stay in the chlorinated water for more than half an hour. Still have to use gel instead of soap, but I can now "enjoy" the regular shower, what a blessing!

Wow! That's terrible. But as you say, the price we pay for sitting in the sun.

 

My dermatologist said to avoid chlorinated pools also. I use to be in our pool some 6 hours a day!

 

Dr appointment today. I'll report back later.

[Roo Island]

What a great doctor. I highly recommend him at Samitiev. No skin cancer and no current need for invasive procedures. Just froze the area and wait to see how things go!

 

PARITAS SUKRIKET (Dermatologist)

[watthong]

11 minutes ago, Roo Island said:

What a great doctor. I highly recommend him at Samitiev. No skin cancer and no current need for invasive procedures. Just froze the area and wait to see how things go!

 

PARITAS SUKRIKET (Dermatologist)

Good news! btw could you tell of the price range and the level of communication/service there at that hospital (english speaking staff, doc, waiting time...)

Thanks.

[Roo Island]

12 minutes ago, watthong said:

Good news! btw could you tell of the price range and the level of communication/service there at that hospital (english speaking staff, doc, waiting time...)

Thanks.

It was a consultation and freezing of a few spots. Damage done by the sun but not skin cancer. Yet.

 

3.600 Baht. Follow up in April if I feel the need.

 

His English is literally perfect. I've seen quite a few doctors there over the years. Never a problem with English. Pretty much everyone there speaks English. Even the valet staff! 55555

[superal]

On 2/19/2024 at 11:56 AM, watthong said:

 

I'm an American of Asian descent. Being Asian, I believe (rightly or wrongly) that I have "stronger" skin and "stronger" eye (brown vs blue) than my white American counterpart. But being American, especially one from California, I also have acquired the life long habit of sunbathing. Ever since coming to Thailand and retiring here permanently, say about 10 yrs ago, and carrying on with that habit while living in pollution choked Bangkok under a much harsher sun that that from Los Angeles, and believing that I had "tougher" skin, I kinda ignored all the protective cream/lotion that doctors recommend. As a result of that sun worshipper lifestyle, getting out of the pool in mid day, then sun bathing for another hour or so with little UV protection, I have damaged my skin almost beyond repair. Considering all the elements above it was like I was basting my skin - which is aging - with all kinds of toxic substance, then baking it in an oven to a crisp on a daily basis. 

 

I think at some point my skin had gotten stripped off of all its protective layers. Soon eczema struck. I could not take a regular shower or jump into a chlorinated pool. Re daily "shower" I had to put epsom salt and vitamin D into a big bucket of tap water before I could splash it onto my body. I could no longer use regular soap but had to rely on dermatologist recommended body gel. Luckily since covid we have moved to the city outskirts where there are lots of greenery, less pollution and that has helped restoring my skin to somewhat normal living standard. I can jump into a regular pool now but can not stay in the chlorinated water for more than half an hour. Still have to use gel instead of soap, but I can now "enjoy" the regular shower, what a blessing!

Here is hoping your improvement continues . Only last night I was talking to a middle aged Brit who worked most of his life on UK building sites in his shorts only , now sunbathes in the afternoon sun here in Thailand and proud of his tan  . I had to explain to him that the damaging effects of exposure to the sun do not always become apparent until later life . The skin ages because the sub layer of collagen all but disappears .

I had black hair when young and a good tolerance of not getting sun burnt , unlike fair skinned / ginger haired people . However , all that sun exposure has caught up with me with skin cancer . 

Skin cancer is not that common in the Asian people and trying to find a skin specialist away from the big cities is not easy .

[Roo Island]

10 minutes ago, superal said:

Here is hoping your improvement continues . Only last night I was talking to a middle aged Brit who worked most of his life on UK building sites in his shorts only , now sunbathes in the afternoon sun here in Thailand and proud of his tan  . I had to explain to him that the damaging effects of exposure to the sun do not always become apparent until later life . The skin ages because the sub layer of collagen all but disappears .

I had black hair when young and a good tolerance of not getting sun burnt , unlike fair skinned / ginger haired people . However , all that sun exposure has caught up with me with skin cancer . 

Skin cancer is not that common in the Asian people and trying to find a skin specialist away from the big cities is not easy .

That's why I went to Bangkok. The doctor in pattaya wanted to do an invasive procedure. At 16k baht. This doc said it was totally unnecessary and several other options were available before he'd recommend something like that.

[GinBoy2]

Well this is an 'Oh Fu++k It' story. I'can't believe it after just talking about my previous experience.

 

We were supposed to be in Thailand until March 15, until I had another skin explosion on my upper lip and headed back to the US on Monday. 

Went to the Doc and sure as shi+t they biopsied it and here we go again.

 

 Better location than last time I think, don't have to worry about drooping eyelids or the like, unlike last time.

 

I'm having it done in the US, for insurance reasons.

 

But as a cautionary tale, if you've had it once just keep on top of every mole or weird skin eruption, since I think it probably never ends and you are probably at risk for more

 

The reason I reacted so quickly this time was from my previous experience and wanted, if it was what I thought, treated asap

Edited February 22 by GinBoy2

[Roo Island]

1 hour ago, GinBoy2 said:

Well this is an 'Oh Fu++k It' story. I'can't believe it after just talking about my previous experience.

 

We were supposed to be in Thailand until March 15, until I had another skin explosion on my upper lip and headed back to the US on Monday. 

Went to the Doc and sure as shi+t they biopsied it and here we go again.

 

 Better location than last time I think, don't have to worry about drooping eyelids or the like, unlike last time.

 

I'm having it done in the US, for insurance reasons.

 

But as a cautionary tale, if you've had it once just keep on top of every mole or weird skin eruption, since I think it probably never ends and you are probably at risk for more

 

The reason I reacted so quickly this time was from my previous experience and wanted, if it was what I thought, treated asap

Best of luck! Are you going to try Mohs?

[GinBoy2]

19 hours ago, Roo Island said:

Best of luck! Are you going to try Mohs?

I'm going to discuss that with the surgeon next week

[GinBoy2]

I'll describe how weird skin cancer can be.

 

I've had this mole on my upper lip my whole life. 

 

When I've been completely clean shaven never been an issue, nowadays I sport some scruff.

 

So it wasn't like I shaved the damn thing off, in fact we were sat on the couch watching TV in the evening and MrsG remarked, "You're bleeding"

 

The mole literally had fell off and left the underlying legion.

[sirineou]

On 2/2/2024 at 8:18 AM, ezzra said:

I did and had it treated in Melbourne but didn't plastered my mug all over the place, anyway, let it be now...

If I had your mug, I would not be posting it also. 

 

[Roo Island]

55 minutes ago, sirineou said:

If I had your mug, I would not be posting it also. 

 

I think GinBoy2 was very good for showing us his scar. A huge thanks as it really motivated me to deal with this.

 

As I sit here looking at dozens of people baking in the sun. Ugh.

[Roo Island]

1 hour ago, GinBoy2 said:

I'll describe how weird skin cancer can be.

 

I've had this mole on my upper lip my whole life. 

 

When I've been completely clean shaven never been an issue, nowadays I sport some scruff.

 

So it wasn't like I shaved the damn thing off, in fact we were sat on the couch watching TV in the evening and MrsG remarked, "You're bleeding"

 

The mole literally had fell off and left the underlying legion.

That's one of the things the doc asked me. Bleeding moles or spots

[sirineou]

4 minutes ago, Roo Island said:

I think GinBoy2 was very good for showing us his scar. A huge thanks as it really motivated me to deal with this.

 

As I sit here looking at dozens of people baking in the sun. Ugh.

I know Gin Boy from this forum for a long time , he is a very nice guy, also ezzra , and he is normally a nice guy. I can only guess he forgot to take his medication today 

My friend down road has it done and it did not seem to be a big deal ,In and out the same day. 

I would not be worried about it too much, just get it done ASAP before it becomes a problem. 

[watthong]

On 2/20/2024 at 12:58 PM, superal said:

I had to explain to him that the damaging effects of exposure to the sun do not always become apparent until later life . The skin ages because the sub layer of collagen all but disappears .

 

Thank you for your kind wishes. Since getting ezcema I have been checked out by a specialist and after realising she just wanted to prescribe heaps of lotions onto me, particularly one (last) instance where she said I'm going to give you a new lotion which turned out to be what my local pharmacist has quietly suggested all along in lieu of what the doctor had previously prescribed, I quit going to her. One good thing is that "cancer" has been ruled out from the first visit, since then I just had to learn to live with ezcema (which tends to flame up if the weather get really smuggy on hot days.)

 

Also I want to put in a plug for the new skin disease location in town (Bangkok): the Institute of Dermatology which was getting ready to open when I went there last year for my last covid shot. It's a governmental outlet and of course has after hours clinic for your convenience. Just a few steps from Victory Monument. I have not yet tried its facilities  but it looks imposing and newly spic and span inside.

[watthong]

1 hour ago, Roo Island said:

I think GinBoy2 was very good for showing us his scar. A huge thanks as it really motivated me to deal with this.

 

I too concur that pics are particularly helpful in showing forensic details that a thousand words can not accurately describe...

Another thing I'd like to point out that this sub forum is about health and medicine. Not how to apply beautifying filter on tiktok. If one is so easily unnerved by realities of diseases and its consequences, then one should not peek in on this forum. Don't go in here and re-act like Snow White getting lost in the forest.

[Roo Island]

2 hours ago, watthong said:

 

I too concur that pics are particularly helpful in showing forensic details that a thousand words can not accurately describe...

Another thing I'd like to point out that this sub forum is about health and medicine. Not how to apply beautifying filter on tiktok. If one is so easily unnerved by realities of diseases and its consequences, then one should not peek in on this forum. Don't go in here and re-act like Snow White getting lost in the forest.

Hardly unnerved by realities of diseases and their consequences. You could have left it at a picture is worth a thousand words. Bizarre.

[watthong]

2 hours ago, Roo Island said:

Hardly unnerved by realities of diseases and their consequences. You could have left it at a picture is worth a thousand words. Bizarre.

 

Bizarre indeed that you thought my saying "unnerved by realities of diseases and their consequences." was aimed at you? I started my post by concurring with you thanking the posted pic's author, then aimed my criticism at those who lambasted said pic. Not you, whom I have asked and thanked for info regarding your doctor's visit. Bizarre indeed.

[Roo Island]

3 hours ago, watthong said:

 

Bizarre indeed that you thought my saying "unnerved by realities of diseases and their consequences." was aimed at you? I started my post by concurring with you thanking the posted pic's author, then aimed my criticism at those who lambasted said pic. Not you, whom I have asked and thanked for info regarding your doctor's visit. Bizarre indeed.

My mistake! I sincerely apologize. Sincerely.

[GinBoy2]

11 hours ago, sirineou said:

I know Gin Boy from this forum for a long time , he is a very nice guy, also ezzra , and he is normally a nice guy. I can only guess he forgot to take his medication today 

My friend down road has it done and it did not seem to be a big deal ,In and out the same day. 

I would not be worried about it too much, just get it done ASAP before it becomes a problem. 

That was my thinking.

 

In fact we were planning to come over to visit you before this little 'incident'

 

After blood, that was it and i was getting on a plane asap

 

Toi was totally freaked out after the last time and just wanted me to see a Dr in the US

 

So here we are, yep same as last time, although caught super early compared to last time, and it'll get removed in the next couple of weeks

[Roo Island]

10 hours ago, GinBoy2 said:

That was my thinking.

 

In fact we were planning to come over to visit you before this little 'incident'

 

After blood, that was it and i was getting on a plane asap

 

Toi was totally freaked out after the last time and just wanted me to see a Dr in the US

 

So here we are, yep same as last time, although caught super early compared to last time, and it'll get removed in the next couple of weeks

Next time, try that doctor at Samitivej. Really good. Cheap office visit for a second opinion.

[superal]

On 2/20/2024 at 1:11 PM, Roo Island said:

That's why I went to Bangkok. The doctor in pattaya wanted to do an invasive procedure. At 16k baht. This doc said it was totally unnecessary and several other options were available before he'd recommend something like that.

The procedures that I have had for skin cancer are . 1/ Cryogenics , i.e. the freezing of the scab using liquid nitrogen ,

2/  Under the scalpel , 3 / Using a cream name Efudix , 5% Fluorouracil which if used in the early stages of a growth , is effective .It has to be used sparingly and placed directly to the growth and avoid touching your unaffected good skin because the cream has a corrosive effect and can cause your skin to become reddened . I  have been using it for the last 3 days to remove a small growth under my lower eye lid , now gone . 

In the UK , my local dermatology doctors were sometimes undecided to state which skin cancer I had because bascal cell carcinoma often resembles melanoma or Squamous cell carcinoma .To be on the safe side they operate , normally the same day of your consultation , and a biopsy is taken . So far my 3 operations have produced negative biopsy / melanoma results . 

As we know the sun is very strong in Thailand and for that reason I try to stay out of it or wear a wide brimmed hat or carry an umbrella .

[Roo Island]

18 minutes ago, superal said:

The procedures that I have had for skin cancer are . 1/ Cryogenics , i.e. the freezing of the scab using liquid nitrogen ,

2/  Under the scalpel , 3 / Using a cream name Efudix , 5% Fluorouracil which if used in the early stages of a growth , is effective .It has to be used sparingly and placed directly to the growth and avoid touching your unaffected good skin because the cream has a corrosive effect and can cause your skin to become reddened . I  have been using it for the last 3 days to remove a small growth under my lower eye lid , now gone . 

In the UK , my local dermatology doctors were sometimes undecided to state which skin cancer I had because bascal cell carcinoma often resembles melanoma or Squamous cell carcinoma .To be on the safe side they operate , normally the same day of your consultation , and a biopsy is taken . So far my 3 operations have produced negative biopsy / melanoma results . 

As we know the sun is very strong in Thailand and for that reason I try to stay out of it or wear a wide brimmed hat or carry an umbrella .

Excellent information! Thanks!