Oh NO! I Have Skin Cancer???

Know Your Skin - Have Any Suspicious Spot Biopsied


So a few years ago, I noticed a red spot - it was very hard to see as it blended in with my skin pretty well, however, I noticed it.  It was located on my left, upper decollette (chest).  As some of you may know, I grew up in sunny, SW FL (Naples, FL) and was a sun worshiper.  Yes, the baby oil, the silver bikini - you name it.  I didnt even start properly taking care of my skin until I went to school in AZ for Aesthetics. I was 34.

Some things I learned about sun exposure are:


  • Sun damage shows up in the skin 20 years after initial exposure.
  • We get enough sun exposure just running errands and doing daily activities. (unless you live in a cave or stay indoors all the time).
  • Tanning beds are WORSE for your skin than natural sunlight.
  • OTC (over the counter) sunscreens are inferior to most professional sunscreens and may actually cause further damage to the skin.  It just is NEVER worth it to buy OTC products, PERIOD!
So, the initial spot was "burned" off and I noticed it coming back maybe a year later.  I wasnt really sure if it was the same spot so I wasnt really concerned.  My insurance was changing January 1st, so I wanted to get everything done before the end of the year.  I made my appointment with the dermatologist and told them I wanted this spot biopsied (a client once told me she demanded a biopsy after her dermatologist said "it was nothing" and it turned out to be skin cancer).  Well, long story short, this spot came back as skin cancer "Basal Cell Carcinoma".




It was excised out the next day.  What I would like to make clear is this:
  • The spot was barely noticeable
  • It was pinkish in color (not brown or black)
  • It wasnt really raised (if so, not much)
  • The dermatologist may not notice all these spots - it is your job to know your skin and ask/demand for biopsies 
It is my opinion, that a stronger, healthier skin may help prevent future outbreaks and when you are properly caring for your skin (face and body), you will be more aware of spots, keratosis, etc.

There are some professional spa treatments that will help remove keratosis (superficial bumps/growths) which include Skin/Chemical Peels, Correctives at home and even Body Peels.

Please contact me if you have questions or comments via website SkinCareByJewls.
Location: Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202, USA
It is nice to interact with the community via Blogs and I invite you to read mine as I venture out to read yours:) What a beautiful community we share here in SW FL and I am blessed to have a thriving business in the center of it! Jewls

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