Pigeons
01-04-2004, 04:27 PM
Has anyone heard of either of these treatments for skin cancers? From what I've read, they both sound like encouraging alternatives to surgery... but my dermatologist mentioned neither, and is rushing to get me into surgery.
Aldara is a wart meditcation that has shown 90% effectiveness in ELIMINATING basal-cell carcinomas. ("Imiquimod works by releasing cytokines from inflammatory cells, and that inflammatory response produces macrophages, which in turn attack malignant cells, Dr. Naylor said.") It is not FDA approved for use against skin cancers, so I suspect that's why we haven't heard about it yet. At least, that's one reason. Something tells me it's also a heck of a lot chaper than surgery.
As for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), I've only done a little reseach on it, but from what I've read, it is very effective and leaves no scarring. Again, I'm not sure why we haven't heard more about it.
Aldara is a wart meditcation that has shown 90% effectiveness in ELIMINATING basal-cell carcinomas. ("Imiquimod works by releasing cytokines from inflammatory cells, and that inflammatory response produces macrophages, which in turn attack malignant cells, Dr. Naylor said.") It is not FDA approved for use against skin cancers, so I suspect that's why we haven't heard about it yet. At least, that's one reason. Something tells me it's also a heck of a lot chaper than surgery.
As for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), I've only done a little reseach on it, but from what I've read, it is very effective and leaves no scarring. Again, I'm not sure why we haven't heard more about it.
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motherchuck
01-04-2004, 06:41 PM
I have used Aldera. I have had several basal cells surgically removed and my dr offered this as an alternative. I am actually getting ready to apply it to 3 spots on my shoulder.
I used it once on a basal cell on my chest and it looks pretty good now. I don't see any redness and we continue to watch it for regrowth of a basal cell. Haven't had the spot rebiopsied b/c it just looks like a little white scar.
I was hesitant to use it again on my shoulder but the thought of getting these three spots biopsied changed my mind. I am tired of being cut into all of the time. My dr says it will not work on skin that is not cancerous so if there is no reaction it is probably not cancer. I am going to try this route and monitor the spots in the future.
The one positive of surgery is you know the spot is completely removed. With Aldera there is a gray area and I am sure regrowth is something you have to watch for regrowth. But of course surgery is not 100%. I just had a spot on my eye brow grow back after 3 years (mohs). Anything is worth a shot!!
I used it once on a basal cell on my chest and it looks pretty good now. I don't see any redness and we continue to watch it for regrowth of a basal cell. Haven't had the spot rebiopsied b/c it just looks like a little white scar.
I was hesitant to use it again on my shoulder but the thought of getting these three spots biopsied changed my mind. I am tired of being cut into all of the time. My dr says it will not work on skin that is not cancerous so if there is no reaction it is probably not cancer. I am going to try this route and monitor the spots in the future.
The one positive of surgery is you know the spot is completely removed. With Aldera there is a gray area and I am sure regrowth is something you have to watch for regrowth. But of course surgery is not 100%. I just had a spot on my eye brow grow back after 3 years (mohs). Anything is worth a shot!!
Pigeons
01-04-2004, 07:19 PM
Thanks for replying, motherchunk.
So you are saying that Aldara does leave some kind of scarring or "white area." How did the area react during the process? I'm concerned about using this on my face—but just about anything seems preferrable to surgery.
Also, did you find a dermatologist there in Ohio to prescribe it to you? I'm worried that I won't find a cooperative dermatologist where I live, if I decide to go this route.
—Ivan
So you are saying that Aldara does leave some kind of scarring or "white area." How did the area react during the process? I'm concerned about using this on my face—but just about anything seems preferrable to surgery.
Also, did you find a dermatologist there in Ohio to prescribe it to you? I'm worried that I won't find a cooperative dermatologist where I live, if I decide to go this route.
—Ivan
motherchuck
01-04-2004, 07:48 PM
Yes, my dermatoligist recomended it to me! Very little scarring. Just a faint white scar which looks totally better then a scar from incision!!
Pigeons
01-04-2004, 09:11 PM
Thanks, MC.
How did the cancer look while you were treating it? If you had a BCC on your face, would you use this?
How did the cancer look while you were treating it? If you had a BCC on your face, would you use this?
motherchuck
01-04-2004, 10:00 PM
You apply the Aldera for 10 days or so, just until it gets red and sore. Looks really red, crusty and swollen (like an open sore). Once it gets to that point you stop using the Aldera and let it heal up. I remeber a big scab falling off. The first spot I used it on was on my collar bone so it wasn't visible for everyone else to see. The other three are on my back. I have other spots on my face but I let me dr take care of those sugically. He is also a cosmetic surgeon so I trust he will do a good job. Not sure if I would want to walk around with a huge sore on my face?? Do you have a good cosmetic surgeon/dermatologist? Seems to be my savior in all of this!!
Pigeons
01-05-2004, 02:41 AM
No, my dermatologist is not also a cosmetic surgeon. Where on your face have you had lesions appear? It's somewhat rare to find a good dermatologist/cosmetic surgeon, so consider yourself lucky!
motherchuck
01-05-2004, 08:53 AM
Yes, I am lucky! I tried a different dermatologist a few years ago and they had to send me out for any cosmetic surgeries or Mohs so I ran back to the dr I am with now!! He is wonderful! My first basal cell was in my eye brow but I also had a mole removed from my cheek (not cancerous). I have very fine scars and you would never know I had surgery unless I pointed them out to you.
Pigeons
01-05-2004, 11:55 AM
MC, would you recommend your dermatologist to me? I am from Toledo, so going to another derm in Ohio would be relatively easy. Going on recommendations is so important.
AmandaRose
02-13-2004, 03:06 PM
I have also used Aldara (works great and I had no scarring) and Efudex and Carac cream. The Carac cream was the last I used and you apply it all over (highly recommended for the face) ...anyway, it basically brings out any cancerous cells to the surface and kills them. Luckily my skin did not react to it at all, which meant I did not have any lurking under the skin. My dermatologist recommended this to me, as I have had 4 skin cancers removed from my face and it's definitely a better alternative to surgery. Right now I have a skin cancer on my back that I have been treating with Aldara and it works GREAT!
motherchuck
02-13-2004, 03:17 PM
Amanda-you sound like me. Do these spots every stop? I am 32 and can't imagine going through this for the rest of my life. I eat well, steer clear of the sun during peak hours etc. Just not sure what more to do?? I have several spots on my chest that look suspicious and about 4 on my back that I am pretty sure are bc.
AmandaRose
02-13-2004, 03:32 PM
I wish I could say that they stop, but they haven't for me...I get a new one about every 6 months to a year. And there really is nothing we can do about it. I am 28 and had my first skin cancer at the age of 21. I go to the dermatologist every 6 months and try to be really careful with my skin too. My dermatologist told me that basically you get all of your sun damage by the age of 18....wish I knew that then. My dad has had HUNDREDS of skin cancers removed. And I was fortunate to get his fair skin, blue eyes and blonde hair. I know it's very depressing to have skin cancer...while all of my friends are tanning, I am WHITE...I hate it and still cry every time I see a new spot. I have had around 5 removed and now I have one on my back, but am waiting til my checkup in May to show it to my doc. I wish they would come out with some type of cure...I have used Efudex, Aldara and Carac cream...
motherchuck
02-13-2004, 05:16 PM
Yes, you do sound a lot like me. I was 27 when I had my first removed. I am up to 5 bcs now but I have at least 5 more growing in various places. I remeber saying once on this forum that they seem to be popping up allover. At the time I had no idea that yes, they are popping up allover and in a matter of 3 mos or so!! I am in the dermatologist every 3 months. While being treated it is more often then that. I hate to imagine what I will look like at 40 or 50!! I pray that I don't get anymore on my face-that scares me the most. I can hide the scars from every other spot but the face is more complicated. I have also had about 8 moles removed.
How does your Dad treat his? When did he first start getting them? My Mom has skin cancer too but she refuses to see a dr. She is a sun worshipper and does not want to stop. I feel sad for her but sometimes I think if I were a bit older I would do the same thing. I also find myself getting depressed about this too-every time I am diagnosed with another I go through the cycle allover again.
How does your Dad treat his? When did he first start getting them? My Mom has skin cancer too but she refuses to see a dr. She is a sun worshipper and does not want to stop. I feel sad for her but sometimes I think if I were a bit older I would do the same thing. I also find myself getting depressed about this too-every time I am diagnosed with another I go through the cycle allover again.
Saraly
02-13-2004, 07:09 PM
I'm 58 and have had about 28 Basal Cells and one in situ melanoma removed. There were a couple of years when I was in my thirties when they popped out all over but then it calmed down. You have to be diligent about staying out of the sun and using sun block. Motherchuck, I wish you could convince your mom to stay out of the sun and get checked for skin cancer. My dad was like your mom and regretted it. He died from skin cancer 5 years ago.
motherchuck
02-13-2004, 09:51 PM
Saraly-my Mom is almost 60 and there is no way she will give up the sun! It is sad b/c I am very close to her. I would say she is covered in some sort of skin cancer. I know it is just a matter of time before they get into her blood/bones. I hate to even think about it. I am aking a different path then her as I am so young I can't throw in the towel now.
Saraly
02-14-2004, 08:26 AM
Motherchuck,
How about printing something out from the internet or getting some color leaflets from your dermatologist's office with pictures of the various skin cancers and how the sun plays a big part in getting them? You could leave them in her house and maybe she'll read them and come to her own conclusions. My dad was very stubborn and would argue with me even when we both knew that he knew he was wrong.
How about printing something out from the internet or getting some color leaflets from your dermatologist's office with pictures of the various skin cancers and how the sun plays a big part in getting them? You could leave them in her house and maybe she'll read them and come to her own conclusions. My dad was very stubborn and would argue with me even when we both knew that he knew he was wrong.
motherchuck
02-14-2004, 09:37 AM
Saraly-what could they do with someone with so many spots covering their body? Really, she would need her top layer of skin removed!! Her skin is rough and spotted, some red areas and some dry looking patches. She has had a sqaumous cell cancer and after that was removed she quit going.
I talk to her about my skin cancers every other day but have given up preaching to her. I recently told her I understood why she doesn't go to the dr. All of these surgeries are painful both mentally and physically. Not to mention the scars-they are lifelong scars that I have to face everyday. My Mom doesn't worry daily about her skin like I do. She enjoys the things she loves-the beach and outdoors. I can't blame her for her decision because it is hers to make. Strange way to look at it but like I said, she is almost 60 and has had all of these skin cancers for about 15 years and they haven't killed her yet? I know in good time she will probably be diagnosed with some sort of cancer but again, this was her choice to make. A life long battle with scars, surgeries, disfigurement etc is not for everyone......
I talk to her about my skin cancers every other day but have given up preaching to her. I recently told her I understood why she doesn't go to the dr. All of these surgeries are painful both mentally and physically. Not to mention the scars-they are lifelong scars that I have to face everyday. My Mom doesn't worry daily about her skin like I do. She enjoys the things she loves-the beach and outdoors. I can't blame her for her decision because it is hers to make. Strange way to look at it but like I said, she is almost 60 and has had all of these skin cancers for about 15 years and they haven't killed her yet? I know in good time she will probably be diagnosed with some sort of cancer but again, this was her choice to make. A life long battle with scars, surgeries, disfigurement etc is not for everyone......