Skin cancer

I really appreciate all the kind thoughts and well-wishes from my friends during my recent minor surgery for a form of skin cancer. Mine is known as a Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and is the second most common type of skin cancer. It occurs more often in men than in women at a 2:1 ratio. The incidence increases with age and also increases with decreasing latitudes such as the southern US.  

SCC arises in the outer layer of the skin. The only way to diagnose SCC is to biopsy suspicious looking lesions. That's what the doctor did with me. He did what is called a shave biopsy. Area was numbed and the lesion on my right temple was shaved off with a flexible razor.

When it came back positive and I was scheduled for the surgery in his office he made a simple excision of the skin cancer including a margin of normal skin.That was to insure all of the cancer was removed. I had 5 stitches and will have a small scar (barely visible) on my right temple.

Here's some tips to help preventing you from developing SCC and going thru the time that I did.  Avoid UVB radiation from sun exposure - avoid midday sun, use protective clothing, and use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.

If something looks suspicious on your face, arms or hands, get it checked right away. I was on a 6-month visit schedule with the dermatologist. My SCC cropped up quickly between visits. I now have 4-month follow-ups.