Can I Book My Ticket Now? Have Appointment For Skin Cancer On 30Th

[sidjameson]

I got some great advice on here, which I couldnt take up, but thats beside the point.

I am in Uk. I have appointment with specialist to see my skin. I have a light pink scab that doesnt clear up fully.

Though strangely its been diminshing since back in the UK. Had it about 6 months in Thailand and 3 months here.

I want to go out to Thailand as soon as.

Wondering if they remove it and do a biopsy will I need any further treatment?

I really want to book a flight out to Thailand, but of course not if it means its wasted due to my having to stay in uk for treatment.

But I am aware that flights book up and dont get any cheaper over summer so would like to book now if i can.

Can anybody tell me what the procedure is with testing for skin cancer and if bad news what happens after the biopsy?

[Sheryl]

If therbiopsy shows malignancy, nest step is removal. If it is basal or squamaous cell skin cancer, can certainly get that done in Thailand (need to screen docs though to be sure they have appropriate experience including training in a western country).

If melanoma -- which from your description seems unlikely -- that;s a whole other ball gsme and best treated back home.

[endure]

I suspect that if you are diagnosed with cancer any chance of travel insurance flies out of the window.

[sidjameson]

Thanks Sheryl,

If its malignancy is it a quick removal then its done?

I am going to see the specialist in a week, i guess they will remove on the spot right.

Is it common to have a check up futher on, if so how much further; weeks or months?

[lopburi3]

Can not speak for UK but here if removed by laser and a malignancy would expect a course of Aldara taking five weeks after several weeks healing with antibiotic and with many checks of reaction and healing. If done by surgery there would be stitch removal and follow up check of healing done (if biopsy has clean margin - all removed). CO2 is more effective so Aldara might not be required but am sure at least one follow-up check would be scheduled. But as mentioned earlier most doctors here do not have much experience with BCC/SCC type cancers. Removal can cost from a couple thousand baht (with biopsy about 1k of that) to over 25k if use of a plastic surgeon and full operating room at mid-high range hospital I use.

Obviously if malignant you will want to have a careful check for any others and be aware in future. I want for 25 years from first to next so it does not mean it will be immediate. And be sure to use high spf sunblock.

[Sheryl]

Another consideration is that if you are coming just for a holiday and will be going back to the UK it may be helpful to have the inititial treatment done in the UK so that all records etc are on file there . May also help you get a higher place in the queue for future skin related visits.

As for the higher airfares, as lopburi3 indicated you may well end up spending the difference in fares on health care here whereas I assume youi can get it free in the UK.