Potential Skin Cancer

[sidjameson]

I am in Uk, went to my gp with a separate issue. Told gp about a pimple thing on my forehead that never heals. Had it for about 6 months i think.

She says its a red flag for skin cancer and should be removed, and tested i presume. She says she will book me an appointment at a specialist.

That was 10 days ago, and par for the course the NHS seems to make you wait forever.

I check and am told to wait.

Who know how long!

Want to get back to thailand to tell the truth.

Was wondering if thai hospitals are experienced with the white mans' skin cancers.

And the cost to have it removed and checked out.

Will then make a decision to stay here or go back to BK.

Thanks

[haveaniceday]

I am reluctant to give advice as I am a Dr, but prob know a bit more than your average Joe Blogs. Although it is a red flag, it doesn't mean it is cancerous,(Melanoma) that was the good bit....

I come from part of Australia that has an extremely high rate in white folks. It is taken very seriously, the good news is that over the last 20 years, particularly the last 5 years, treatments have come along way, the Oz state health systems have a lot to be desired in my opinion, but I doubt, they would let this go 2 days, even though 10+. The fact that

I have on one occasion seen a dermatologist at 'Bangkok Hospital' Bangkok Branch about 4 years ago, I don't remember how much she was to see, but less than 2000b for sure. I was worried about a dot increasing in size, she diagnosed it correctly as a non issue. I have had over 35 suspects removed now, they just freeze them, a bi-opsy when I paid full rate cash in Oz was only about $120USD last year. This is when they take a tiny sample of the tissue in it, results back a few days later as OK, honestly not painful. Every year in Oz, as I am away so much, my body, (have undies on) is photo graphed with several hundred images by the skin cancer specialist, we both have copies. if I am worried about a dot, it is nice to have several years of history of it.

I have had family used this stuff with amazing results, in Northern Oz, they try to use it in winter, doe to avoid sweating and irritation from the heat, (same same as Thailand), I have no idea on the cost when not subsisided from the Gov.

Link of a Guy in Phuket who used it: http://billolearyphu...sp?ArticleID=33

Some other Thai Visa Links that may help you.

http://www.thaivisa....or-skin-cancer/

Think about post #11

Note post #5 with recommendations. excellent thread.

Need to distinguish between an ordinary mole ( = been there all/most of your life, no change in appearance or size) and suspicious moles (new or changes in appearance). The latter need to be carefully assessed and often biopsied to rule out melanoma, which is the most serious of all the skin cancers and can be fatal if not caught early. Melanoma is very rare in Thailand and most Thai dermatologists have little expertise in it.

LINK: http://www.thaivisa....ncer-potential/

http://www.thaivisa....ologist-needed/

http://www.thaivisa....ment-in-phuket/

Edited March 31, 2012 by haveaniceday

[Deserted]

Health must come first. You can go to Thailand anytime, it's not going anywhere.

[TommoPhysicist]

Almost any hospital in Thailand will treat it for 400-1000bht.

No appointment needed, walk in and burn off (liquid nitrogen cheaper, laser more expensive).

Quicker than the NHS, if that much of a worry, better to get it done out here instantly.

Hardly hurts at all, done in a few minutes.

Edited March 31, 2012 by TommoPhysicist

[Sheryl]

It will cost more than mentioned above as you need a biopsy done. Removal is one thing, biopsy another (and liquid nitrogen will not be an option when biopsy is required.)

Most Thai dermatologists are not experienced in skin cancers but there are a few around who trained in the west and are. Some in Bangkok and also one in Pattaya.

As to cost will depend on the hospital but maybe 1-2,000 for the removal and around 2,000 more for the biopsy. So all in all may run to 4-5,000 baht.

[lopburi3]

If it turns out to be BCC (and sounds like several I have had) the good news is it normally does not grow fast so the delay should not be a problem. But definitely get it checked. I normally pay about 1 thousand baht for small biopsy at Venthani Hospital here in Bangkok and as have have several BCC and SCC types doctor is very conservative to check everything even if 99% sure not cancer. As said most doctors here are not used to high skin cancer rates we have but most do know our rates are high so will be conservative and make the required checks if we agree. Agree.

[BKKdreaming]

I go to St Louis Hospital and see the lady dermatologist ,

Around Christmas I had a very bad area removed + biopsy and it was 9000 baht,

this was local surgery,operating room, stitches etc

last week I had 5 - 6 areas liquid nitrogen zapped and all in it was 872 baht,

I am light skinned, blue eyed , blond (now grey) and probably had 1000 plus sunburns in my life , So every time I visit Thailand I plan on going for a check-up to catch it early ,

BK

[Tolley]

It sounds to me like it is just a liquid nitrogen job.

If it is small and red and growing slowly and and sometimes even a bit itchy then the liquid nitrogen is probably what is needed.

[Sheryl]

I beg to differ. it sounds like it needs to be biopsied, which rules out liquid nitrogen.

[monty1412]

OP it sounds like a spider nevis which is nothing more than a vascular lesion and quite common on forehead.. a liquid nitrogen burn will get rid of it.

see http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1084388-overview

On the other side however your concern is warranted.. skin cancers are killers.. I had a slight lump ( to me it felt like that) checked out.. they decided to remove it and the hunk of skin and flesh that they took out has left a big depression in the area.. I was amazed at the size of the thing.. it was premalignant but what just felt like a slight bump was as big as half a golf ball. A leading dermatologist in Australia stated albeit somewhat flippantly you have more chance from dying from unprotected exposure to UV than you do from unprotected sex... sort of puts it in perspective.

Golden rule is check out any lump or mole or growth on your skin.... probably best to wear a condom too for other activities

[FBN]

If the original lesion was associated with a mole or a darker coloured skin area, melanoma must be excluded asap for which biopsy is necessary; the essence here is urgency.

If it is an ulcerated or "rough" area on the skin, it can be acantinic keratosis (pre-malignant), BCC (basal cell carcinoma), or squamous cell carcinoma and in these cases, local liquid nitrogen treatment, laser or excision will be adequate. No real urgency here but larger lesions may lead to scarring if removed.

This is a clinical diagnosis, not an internet one; have it managed asap.

[Tolley]

If the original lesion was associated with a mole or a darker coloured skin area, melanoma must be excluded asap for which biopsy is necessary; the essence here is urgency.

If it is an ulcerated or "rough" area on the skin, it can be acantinic keratosis (pre-malignant), BCC (basal cell carcinoma), or squamous cell carcinoma and in these cases, local liquid nitrogen treatment, laser or excision will be adequate. No real urgency here but larger lesions may lead to scarring if removed.

This is a clinical diagnosis, not an internet one; have it managed asap.

Sound advice. That is the what I understand as well.