Skin Check-up

[polecat]

I'm sure this has been addressed elsewhere in the forum, so aplogies if I'm retreading old ground. (I did look, honest!)

Where in Bangkok can one get checked out for skincancer etc?

I had a basal cell carcinoma removed a couple of years ago in Chiang Mai, and want to get a throrough check-up. So far, when I've asked GPs to check, they have only glanced at the places I've indicated. I want someone to have a proper look at all my moles etc, preferably without having to go to a prohibitively expensive clinic.

Many thanks in advance.

[joeseeker]

Does the lack of replies say something? I visited a skin specialist that my Thai friends recommended for the same reason. His knowledge was way behind what I am used to in Australia. Now I return to Australia every two years to get it checked out.

[learnthaipodcast]

I had my body checked at Samitivej. The doctor looked qualified and the cost was about 1.400 THB. Anyway I have been a bit sick in the last year and no matter where I went (Bumrungrad or Samitivej) you always have to be cautious what they tell you. Some doctors are just not what I'm used to in Europe. Always check online for the prescribed medications and what side effects they have and if you can use all of them together.

[PeaceBlondie]

This concerns me, too. I have done far too much sunbathing in the last twenty years to believe that my skin is unaffected. My father had some kinds of spots removed from his elbow and lips during his final years. Is there a dermatologist in Chiang Mai who will go head to foot and check all the moles, etc.?

[GreatPretender]

This concerns me, too. I have done far too much sunbathing in the last twenty years to believe that my skin is unaffected. My father had some kinds of spots removed from his elbow and lips during his final years. Is there a dermatologist in Chiang Mai who will go head to foot and check all the moles, etc.?

Sorry not in CM, But the Dermatologists at Pattaya International Hospital (PIC) are top notch. Usually I recommend the other hospital, Bangkok Pattaya, but for dermatology, I have always been completely satisfied with the knowledge and skill of their staff. They also seem to have every imaginable laser. ( I recommend the two women doctors as they have very good people skills.)

[seville]

My Doctor is at Bumrungrad Hospital. You can go to the website and go to the skin center. Dr. Niyom Tantikun is his name. Educated in the west and current on the treatment of skin cancer. I also found it very refreshing when I asked him about getting injections for my crows feet around the eyes and he very honestly said to me, " You don't want to do that. The treatment only last six months."

Also if you do have a basal cell, it can be treated with Aldara topical cream.

Dr. Niyom knew exactly what it was the first time I asked him to perscribe it for me 5 years ago. The cream was created for Herpes Warts, but is very effective for basal cell treatment.

I have tried to find it in pharmacies other then Bumrungrad and have not been able to find it. I'm happy to say that I have not had a basal cell in quite some time, but keep the Aldara on hand in case one shows up while I'm stateside. It is much cheaper in Thailand. I'm not sure how many doctors will suggest it for skin cancer treatment. I was lucky and had a Doctor that was filling in for my Doctor in the states suggest it and she suggested that I start seeing a Doctor in Thailand as well. God Bless her!!! It has saved me a great deal of money and unpleasant treatments. Don't forget your hat when you go outside

[AsiaCheese]

This concerns me, too. I have done far too much sunbathing in the last twenty years to believe that my skin is unaffected. My father had some kinds of spots removed from his elbow and lips during his final years. Is there a dermatologist in Chiang Mai who will go head to foot and check all the moles, etc.?

Sorry not in CM, But the Dermatologists at Pattaya International Hospital (PIC) are top notch. Usually I recommend the other hospital, Bangkok Pattaya, but for dermatology, I have always been completely satisfied with the knowledge and skill of their staff. They also seem to have every imaginable laser. ( I recommend the two women doctors as they have very good people skills.)

Can positively & definitely recommend Dr. Sureeporn Sritangrattanaku (Ms.) at PIC. Took care of a major mole and assorted maybe's, plus a wart on a toe while we were at it. A knive & laser artist Going for the follow-up & patho results today [wish me luck...]

[enigma]

This concerns me, too. I have done far too much sunbathing in the last twenty years to believe that my skin is unaffected. My father had some kinds of spots removed from his elbow and lips during his final years. Is there a dermatologist in Chiang Mai who will go head to foot and check all the moles, etc.?

Sorry not in CM, But the Dermatologists at Pattaya International Hospital (PIC) are top notch. Usually I recommend the other hospital, Bangkok Pattaya, but for dermatology, I have always been completely satisfied with the knowledge and skill of their staff. They also seem to have every imaginable laser. ( I recommend the two women doctors as they have very good people skills.)

Can positively & definitely recommend Dr. Sureeporn Sritangrattanaku (Ms.) at PIC. Took care of a major mole and assorted maybe's, plus a wart on a toe while we were at it. A knive & laser artist Going for the follow-up & patho results today [wish me luck...]

I do indeed wish you a negative test result as I've had a few skin cancers cut out too. I have one on my arm now that needs cutting as it has not cleared up after two freezing procedures at Bumrungrad. I'm reluctant to return there as their costs are very high and I'm living in Pattaya. Were costs at PIC reasonable for your surgery?

[GreatPretender]

I do indeed wish you a negative test result as I've had a few skin cancers cut out too. I have one on my arm now that needs cutting as it has not cleared up after two freezing procedures at Bumrungrad. I'm reluctant to return there as their costs are very high and I'm living in Pattaya. Were costs at PIC reasonable for your surgery?

I had ab about 15 moles removed on two different occasions. About 4000 baht. "Something" removed from the scalp. Maybe around 2000 baht. Several consultations on other problems. Form about 700 baht plus medications. (Usually around 1200 baht total.) Also they were able to diagnose some quite rare rashes after 5 years+ of misdiagnosis.

Again, recommend them without reservation!

They also did some cosmetic procedures on mum quite cheeply. (Pigment removal of age spots. She loved it. Not expensive. 1500-2000 baht range.

[enigma]

I do indeed wish you a negative test result as I've had a few skin cancers cut out too. I have one on my arm now that needs cutting as it has not cleared up after two freezing procedures at Bumrungrad. I'm reluctant to return there as their costs are very high and I'm living in Pattaya. Were costs at PIC reasonable for your surgery?

I had ab about 15 moles removed on two different occasions. About 4000 baht. "Something" removed from the scalp. Maybe around 2000 baht. Several consultations on other problems. Form about 700 baht plus medications. (Usually around 1200 baht total.) Also they were able to diagnose some quite rare rashes after 5 years+ of misdiagnosis.

Again, recommend them without reservation!

They also did some cosmetic procedures on mum quite cheeply. (Pigment removal of age spots. She loved it. Not expensive. 1500-2000 baht range.

Thanks for that info, much appreciated. I will get Dr. Sureeporn Sritangrattanaku at PIC to look at my arm and some other unresolved skin problems. I've found it difficult to find a good dermatologist in Thailand who is focussed on medical conditions rather than cosmetic ones.

[catwho]

I went to pattaya int H, waited a while went in and said i needed my B cells frezzed they said we dont do that here ,so i left that was 3 months ago,

my 2 trips tp BPH one was on xmas day[2yrs ago] frezze gun not working so they did me with cotton buds ,no prob good job,cost 1000 baht]

went back to see doc anna,8 months later she said u have too many 'ill do some but get some EFUDIX cream and do them yourself,not impressed...in OZ its 55 dollars small tube and looks terrible when done,,

she did about 10 small ones,then looked for more income saying one needed a laser, which i had done,didnt need to be done,[cost 4500bt]

i go back to OZ each year to have them done as i have had them done for 30 years so i know my skin cancers,

i am due back in OZ dec, but want some on my back done now, so i will go and see another doc at the dermo clinic at BPH,NOT DOC ANNA.

That aldara cream sounds good, if i can get some i'll try it.

i'll pass on info when i go later.

thanks

cat

[seville]

I went to pattaya int H, waited a while went in and said i needed my B cells frezzed they said we dont do that here ,so i left that was 3 months ago,

my 2 trips tp BPH one was on xmas day[2yrs ago] frezze gun not working so they did me with cotton buds ,no prob good job,cost 1000 baht]

went back to see doc anna,8 months later she said u have too many 'ill do some but get some EFUDIX cream and do them yourself,not impressed...in OZ its 55 dollars small tube and looks terrible when done,,

she did about 10 small ones,then looked for more income saying one needed a laser, which i had done,didnt need to be done,[cost 4500bt]

i go back to OZ each year to have them done as i have had them done for 30 years so i know my skin cancers,

i am due back in OZ dec, but want some on my back done now, so i will go and see another doc at the dermo clinic at BPH,NOT DOC ANNA.

That aldara cream sounds good, if i can get some i'll try it.

i'll pass on info when i go later.

thanks

cat

It really works well and it's pretty amazing. The cream only goes after the abnormal cells and no scar. I'm thrilled going to BKK everytime for a check up but, really not that big of a deal as I fly in and out every 6 mounths, so I go to the doctor before and the airport depending if I'm coming or going. I really like my Doctor.

[Flapman]

......Also if you do have a basal cell, it can be treated with Aldara topical cream.

Dr. Niyom knew exactly what it was the first time I asked him to perscribe it for me 5 years ago. The cream was created for Herpes Warts, but is very effective for basal cell treatment.

I have tried to find it in pharmacies other then Bumrungrad and have not been able to find it. I'm happy to say that I have not had a basal cell in quite some time, but keep the Aldara on hand in case one shows up while I'm stateside. It is much cheaper in Thailand. I'm not sure how many doctors will suggest it for skin cancer treatment. I was lucky and had a Doctor that was filling in for my Doctor in the states suggest it and she suggested that I start seeing a Doctor in Thailand as well. God Bless her!!! It has saved me a great deal of money and unpleasant treatments. Don't forget your hat when you go outside

Aldara - I was prescribed Aldara (Imiquimod cream) manufactured by 3M Health Care Limited, Loughborough, England, in 250mg sachets, to treat warts (Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV). I didn't know Aldara could also be used for basal cell problems.

BTW - HPV (warts) is not Herpes. HPV lives in the skin, whereas Herpes goes up nerves, or so I have read, and cannot be eradicated, whereas HPV can, but sometimes with difficulty.

Amoils - amoils.com in CA, USA has some interesting natural health care products for skin problems: tags, warts, scars etc.

Effudix - 7 years ago I was prescribed Effudix to apply for 3 weeks to treat squamous cell problems on the head (too many sunburns for too many years!). All went well at first, but by the the end of 3 weeks it gave me a h*ll of a burn. I looked like Gorbachov! But .. after the burn damage healed the new skin was a-ok. "Stay out of tropical sun between 11am - 3pm", the specialist advised, and "use plenty of sun block".

[seville]

The Aldera is really wonderful. Not officially for Basel cell treatment, but there are concerned and up to date Doctors who are suggesting it. I was lucky and as I said before, My regular Doctors sub here in the States made the suggestion. Also. the whole idea of only being to use the pack for one treatment and opening a new one is hogwash. I use it until it is finished and then open a new one. No nasty burning and painful scabs. Little red and peeling a ting bit.

I went around to a number of the pharmacies in Thailand trying to find it and couldn't so I'm happy to go to Bumrungrad. I have not tried Bangkok Hospital.

Thanks the tip on the Amoils I'm going to check that out.

[AsiaCheese]

Can positively & definitely recommend Dr. Sureeporn Sritangrattanaku (Ms.) at PIC. Took care of a major mole and assorted maybe's, plus a wart on a toe while we were at it. A knive & laser artist Going for the follow-up & patho results today [wish me luck...]

I do indeed wish you a negative test result as I've had a few skin cancers cut out too. I have one on my arm now that needs cutting as it has not cleared up after two freezing procedures at Bumrungrad. I'm reluctant to return there as their costs are very high and I'm living in Pattaya. Were costs at PIC reasonable for your surgery?

Hmmm, depends on your definition of "reasonable". I paid about THB 9k all in all (major mole, about 10 minor laser-zapppz, wart). The post-check (1 week later) & lots of TLC with new dressing came to THB 160...!

And yes: I'm "negative" -- they sent the mole to BKK to check. Me = happy