Please get your moles and skin checked - so important! | ExpatWoman.com
 

Please get your moles and skin checked - so important!

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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 September 2014 - 08:11

Hello All,

Following on from another couple of threads, which are so so important, one area that people seem to forget to get checked is their skin, especially if you have lots of moles.

I was recently diagnosed with malignant melanoma - skin cancer. Luckily it was caught early and I was able to just have the affected area cut out - leaving a lovely 4 inch scar in my thigh. I had all the mole mapping done - 225 later and have to have at least another 10 off for biopsy. My Dr says he's seen a marked increase in the number of people with melanomas, particularly in the legs, recently.

Living where we do, sun awareness and how to protect yourselves from the sun is essential.

Skin cancer is the most severe and aggressive form of cancer there is, and if not caught early the prognosis can be difficult.

Please, if you fall into any of the 'danger' skin types, go and get checked. :)

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 January 2015 - 22:36
I'm glad I noticed this thread as Ive been meaning to get a couple of moles checked for ages and keep forgetting!! Do I just make an appointment with the GP at GMC who then refers to a specialist or did you see a specialist to begin with and pay the 600 for the first 10?
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 December 2014 - 20:51
Following this post - I got checked and had a mole removed that I have been looking at for the last 10 years! I've had it checked over and over. Finally decided I was just sick of worrying about it, so had it out. What do you know - results in today - pre malignant. 6 monthly checks from now on. THANK YOU EXPAT WOMAN! Oh Stix I am so glad you caught it in time. My DH trusted what the original doctor said and was nearly too late. Beebers glad that the mole was a splinter ! but do get the others re checked and mapped if you can, it is also really important to have faith in the diagnosis and treatment. DH has to be mapped every 6 months because of his history and his family history , MIL had skin cancer, I have a visual every year. <em>edited by Nomad on 31/12/2014</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 December 2014 - 15:34
Following this post - I got checked and had a mole removed that I have been looking at for the last 10 years! I've had it checked over and over. Finally decided I was just sick of worrying about it, so had it out. What do you know - results in today - pre malignant. 6 monthly checks from now on. THANK YOU EXPAT WOMAN!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 December 2014 - 18:34
Any more recommendations on a good doctor? The ones mentioned hear are not covered by our insurance. We get insurance cover for most of the bigger hospitals (except AH) so ideally a recommendation from there would be great! I looked around but most seem to be specialised in peeling etc whereas I need a thorough check on my moles as well. Thanks!
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 December 2014 - 16:18
This thread is interesting and educational. Can i ask why you chose mole mapping or was this following on from a consultation with a dermatologist? I've always had a dermatologist just look over my bod with a light and now I’m wondering about the benefits of mapping comparatively?
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 December 2014 - 15:05
Beebers, from what I remember, the mole mapping was 600 Dhs for the first 10 and 350 for every 10 after that. The biopsies are pretty expensive as you pay for a. having them removed and then b. for the lab work. Luckily because of my diagnosis the insurance covered it all, although I had to fight to get them to pay up for a large chunk as they had a cut off and were being stupid about it. But I won it all back in the end. In that case, better wait until my DH's insurance kicks in next month. Certainly not going to pay that out of pocket as the doctor himself wasn't too worried about any of them. Oh, and the suspect mole that cropped up so suddenly was a splinter!! Asked my DH up and down if he was sure he didn't injure himself, because it looked like a blood blister. I swear the man doesn't get bothered about anything, didn't even remember. That one sorted itself soon after the doctor visit and glad we didn't pay to biopsy that! Or, his eczema! As I said we will be looking for a different doctor lol
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 December 2014 - 12:13
Beebers, from what I remember, the mole mapping was 600 Dhs for the first 10 and 350 for every 10 after that. The biopsies are pretty expensive as you pay for a. having them removed and then b. for the lab work. Luckily because of my diagnosis the insurance covered it all, although I had to fight to get them to pay up for a large chunk as they had a cut off and were being stupid about it. But I won it all back in the end.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 December 2014 - 11:23
dear it is perfect you caught it early thank god you are lucky for that but I agree with you we need in such a sunny country a regular checkup with the dermatologist exactly like the dentist I have dr alrustom with me since day one in Dubai and I trust his experience a lot !!!!!!! wish u always good health!!! You seem to have had many many procedures done at this doctor, nearly all you posts are worded with the same recommendation. Do you work there by any chance? I think its a fair question because people are looking for impartial recommendations, and OP in this thread was not asking for a dermatologist either. Apologies if I'm wrong, perhaps you can clarify? <em>edited by Di@DXB on 29/12/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 December 2014 - 11:10
I had a terrible experience with this, and my advice is to really push your doctor to test suspicious moles or marks whether they think it is OK or not. Both doctors and tests are fallible. I had a misdiagnosis of a wart which ended up a squamous cell cancer and now have a 4 inch scar on my arm, and as it was large and deep had to have CT scan in case lymph nodes were affected, fortunately OK. Then, to be safe, the hospital did another punch biopsy on a mole on my back, and told me it was not urgent but I should get it removed at some time. I elected to get it removed immediately and the full biopsy came back as malignant melanoma, so another removal and three inch scar. I now get three monthly check ups for the next 2 years. I am having another mole removed next week. This is really life or death, and many people don't understand it. My friends were shocked when they saw my scars and the depth of the surgery. It is also an emotional trauma, you are pretty scared when you get a C diagnosis, no matter what kind.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 December 2014 - 10:38
Just checking back in. The spot we were worried about appears to be nothing to be concerned about. However, the doctor said to be safe, they would do a biopsy, and found 5 other sites to biopsy in addition to that one. We are going to hold off though, and seek a different doctor, as this visit did not leave us with much confidence. One spot chosen for biopsy was an eczema patch (previously diagnosed, recurring in the same spot from wearing socks!). I know we are not the experts, and wasn't going to argue it, however no one could tell us how much the biopsies would cost, nor the mole mapping suggested, though they were eager to schedule them quickly. This won't be covered by insurance, we wanted at least a ballpark. How can your clinic perform these services all the time, but no one at the clinic had any idea the cost? There were a few other head-scratchers, but I will leave it at that!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 December 2014 - 13:11
Thank you fairy dust for the reminder, glad you were caught early, I have a friend who was not so lucky and passed away within 12 months of his diagnosis. As an add on to the comment about pancreatic cancer, this seems to be the modus operandi of PC advocates to minimize every other cancer, it is a huge turnoff. I used to be a financial supporter of PC for many years, but have been so turned off by the aggressiveness of their campaigns that I do not support them financially anymore. A recent segment on a UK programme about a dad who lost his son to colon cancer at the age of 19, received a barrage of criticism from the PC brigade because it coincided with the first ever PC awareness day, comments such as 'disgusted, why are you talking about Colon cancer on PC day'. The insensitivity was unreal, they were disgusted that a grieving Dad was on TV on 'their' day. They really are doing no favors for the worthy cause that is Pancreatic Cancer .
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 December 2014 - 11:24
Thanks for sharing your stories ladies. Beebers, I hope your DH is and fingers crossed that everything is fine. Just to update this thread. I had about 222 moles mapped, another 18 removed, two of those were on the turn to being malignant. So yes, now something that has to be kept a very close eye on with regular checks. So again a reminder, please get regular checks done and if anything changes have it looked at straight away and NEVER be fobbed off - insist something is done. Happiness and health to all;)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 December 2014 - 11:20
You are very wise not to wait. DH was told by a doctor that the brown mark on the left side of his face was nothing to worry about. We happened to get it checked out while at home and our old GP said it didn't look good. He was referred to a skin specialist and was operated on the very next day. Skin grafts and one sided facelift got rid of the cancer but he has to go for check ups every 6 months. Now wears a hat when outside and never goes outside without sunscreen even when there is snow on the ground. Hopefully it is just a normal mole,let us know how you get on. edited by Nomad on 20/12/2014 Oh my goodness what an ordeal!! So glad you all caught it! I'll check back in. We had to reschedule for tomorrow, which I'm not happy about, but is what it is.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 December 2014 - 09:25
Glad to hear fairy dust that they caught it early...I too had malignant melanoma and they caught it at early stage...but it is worrisome none the less, and you have to be vigilant to constantly check for anything new or different! I also see dr rizk at the gulf cancer center in Abu dhabi that I highly recommend, as they have me to blood tests every six months as an extra precaution. A note to everyone that my mole actually bothered me over a year before I had it removed as three different doctors told me it's nothing and not to worry about it...it was because I was pregnant/ just had a baby...finally pregnant with my second child I went again to different doctor and I insisted on it being removed...and of course it came back malignant melanoma....had I not insisted the prognosis would not have been good as as soon as it gets into your blood or lymph nodes things get worse quicker...so if a mole bothers you, just have it removed, don't take the chance!!! To MG if you do a quick google, you will see that malignant melanoma is indeed a very agressive cancer and if not caught in the early stage (stage 1a or less) your prognosis for recurence and survival are quite low...so indeed if not caught early malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. What you wrote about basil cell carcinoma is a different type of less agressive cancer that the OP was not talking about.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 December 2014 - 21:00
You are very wise not to wait. DH was told by a doctor that the brown mark on the left side of his face was nothing to worry about. We happened to get it checked out while at home and our old GP said it didn't look good. He was referred to a skin specialist and was operated on the very next day. Skin grafts and one sided facelift got rid of the cancer but he has to go for check ups every 6 months. Now wears a hat when outside and never goes outside without sunscreen even when there is snow on the ground. Hopefully it is just a normal mole,let us know how you get on. <em>edited by Nomad on 20/12/2014</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 December 2014 - 15:50
Thanks for the info on here and reminder, FD. When I read this, I got on to DH as he hasn't been checked in years, and has a had a prior malignant mole removal. We made him an appointment elsewhere in January, but unfortunately looks like we won't make that. Going to a clinic immediately to check out what we are, unfortunately, pretty sure is anther malignant one. :( <em>edited by Beebers on 23/12/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 14:58
Hi FD, thank you for sharing your experience and the name of your Dr. I don't have anything suspicious for the moment but I'll go and check, just in case. P.S.: See this is what we call "waking people up":) Personally, with your post you've created awareness on me and that makes a difference.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 12:49
Depends on the reason for removing the mole. If it's cosmetic, then usually not covered by insurance, but for other reasons it should be. My insurance has always paid, apart from once and I had about 5 removed by a plastic surgeon and cost about 1,200 Dhs. But it will vary from clinic to clinic. Best to call and ask.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 12:45
Hi, can i ask whats the price for a mole mapping and for mole remo al¿ Thanks a lot I had mole mapping done recently, it was 3950 dirhams. I don't know how much mole removal is sorry.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 September 2014 - 19:14
I recently had a scare and got a full mole mapping done. I had one mole removed. I just got word today it wasn't malignant, thank God. I used Blue Tree Clinic on Beach Road. It's opposite jumeira beach hotel. Dr Julianne Reuter. She was excellent and very thorough. Highly recommended. Sorry to hear that it was skin cancer but really glad you got it in time x Hi, can i ask whats the price for a mole mapping and for mole remo al¿ Thanks a lot
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 17:22
many thanks Fairydust. Is it Dr. Murtaza Bandukwala? I called GMC who said to call Ultra Care. I am a little confused though it seems this particular Dr. works at different clinics. I have had moles removed in past and my father passed away from skin cancer so really want to see the best available here. My last check in Australia the Dr. was very flippant about it. Hi Goldilocks, Sorry, been busy. Dr Murtaza works at a couple of different clinics including the GMC. But at Dermacare, which is the specialist clinic I was referred to, who also do the mole mapping, it's Dr IkramullahAl Nasir - and he only work there. I was able to make an app with Dr. Murtaza for this weekend but am wondering why he referred you onto Dr. Nasir, does Dr. Nasir only do the removal? My insurance does not cover this and there is quite a large difference in cost for appointments so just wondering if I should check first with Dr. Murtaza or just save myself the time and go first to Dr. Nazir..
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 15:46
This post Is really timely, I had been checked regularly in another country but have been procrastinating here. Is anyone able to provide an idea of cost, if not covered by insurance?
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 15:29
many thanks Fairydust. Is it Dr. Murtaza Bandukwala? I called GMC who said to call Ultra Care. I am a little confused though it seems this particular Dr. works at different clinics. I have had moles removed in past and my father passed away from skin cancer so really want to see the best available here. My last check in Australia the Dr. was very flippant about it. Hi Goldilocks, Sorry, been busy. Dr Murtaza works at a couple of different clinics including the GMC. But at Dermacare, which is the specialist clinic I was referred to, who also do the mole mapping, it's Dr IkramullahAl Nasir - and he only work there.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 12:01
many thanks Fairydust. Is it Dr. Murtaza Bandukwala? I called GMC who said to call Ultra Care. I am a little confused though it seems this particular Dr. works at different clinics. I have had moles removed in past and my father passed away from skin cancer so really want to see the best available here. My last check in Australia the Dr. was very flippant about it.
2264
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 11:22
FairyDust - thanks for sharing this as I need to get another skin check-up and this has pushed me to do so. I have been trying to call Dermacare on the number 043420088 but it does not connect. Would they happen to have any other number? Also pls let me know which Dr. you saw there if you don't mind. many thanks Hi Goldilocks, I was in there this morning, they're having phone issues at the moment. Should be sorted soon.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 09:53
Thanks for posting FD - I too will go and have my moles and freckles checked. A yearly check up is a really good idea. Glad you got yours in time x
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 09:46
Fairy - Thank you for posting. You have pushed me into action as well. One of those things I think about every month or so but don't go ahead and do. It's now on my 'to do' list for this week. Cancer is not a competition. Everyone's experience is their own, the fear is also relative.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 08:49
FairyDust - thanks for sharing this as I need to get another skin check-up and this has pushed me to do so. I have been trying to call Dermacare on the number 043420088 but it does not connect. Would they happen to have any other number? Also pls let me know which Dr. you saw there if you don't mind. many thanks
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 08:31
Can I ask what mole mapping is and what it involves? I have several moles that I had checked out years ago when I was a child as my parents were concerned about them. Luckily I was fine. I had a friend die from a malignant melanoma just before I moved here so I am very wary of my moles and this is something I would be keen to get done. OP, hope yours is ok now :-) My DD goes to see Dr. Reuter for her mole mapping. About eighteen months ago I didn't like the look of a mole she had and advised her to get it checked. A biopsy was taken which proved it was malignant, she had it removed and thankfully further investigation showed that it had not spread to her lymph nodes. Dr. Reuter photographs any mole that she thinks is suspect so that when DD goes back for a check-up every six months she can see how that mole has changed and decide whether anything further needs to be done.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 07:52
Like I said, I'm sorry to hear about FD's situation, but it's a fact that she is completely wrong when she says "skin cancer is the most severe and aggressive form of cancer there is", and I have to wonder where she got that information from. It's not "educational", it's not even *close* to being true. There is already too much medical misinformation and scaremongering going on thanks to social media, we have a duty to correct it where possible. Skin cancers are extremely common, in fact basal-cell carcinoma is the single most common cancer in the world. My own father was recently diagnosed with it. Fortunately, it's easily treated and is only dangerous in a very small minority of cases, and happily it looks like my father is part of the majority. Nobody wants to hear that they've got cancer, but equally, nobody wants to be misinformed that they've got "the most severe and aggressive form of cancer there is" when in reality they've got one of the most common, treatable and survivable forms of cancer. If nothing else, knowing that skin cancer is both common and highly treatable should help those suffering from it maintain the positive mental attitude so necessary to dealing with "the big C". <em>edited by Madge_Gustard on 07/09/2014</em>
 
 

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