can you die from skin cancer? - Cancer: Skin Message Board

subway13 · 06-10-2004, 12:44 AM

I had a mole removed that came back "pre-cancerous" what does that mean?? And when it is cancerous don't they just remove it? What happens if you don't get it removed?

Rick7799 · 06-10-2004, 07:55 AM

In the "pre-cancerous" stage, it's not serious. It was caught early. There are 3 types of skin cancer. Basal cell, squama cell and melanoma. Melanoma is the most serious and can kill you if not caught early. The other 2 are much more common and even they can spread if you let them go. Moles that all of a sudden change in appearance can be an indicator of melanoma. It sounds like you have nothing to worry about since it was removed so early. I have had a lot of skin cancer and whenever they tell me "pre-cancerous", I feel a lot better about it.

cruzaddict · 06-10-2004, 11:20 AM

I'm new to this board,and had a visit with my dermatologist yesterday for psoriasis that he treats for me.I showed him a small brown mark on the side of my face that kind of appeared out of nowhere.He said it was a pre-cancerous "something",I don't remember what he said.But he burned it off,and said if it comes back to call him and he may have to do a biopsy.He did say it was not the bad kind.It kind of scared me.If it's not the bad kind,then why would it come back?should I be worried?

Rick7799 · 06-11-2004, 07:10 AM

All cancers are not the same. What he is telling you is it's not melanoma. It it's Basal or squama cell, it may come back if he didn't go deep enough. A biopsy would confirm it and he would then go deeper to get it all. My doctor does the same thing and most of the time it stays away. There are times though when he will do a biopsy as soon as he sees it. Don't worry about it. It doesn't sound serious. Your doctor doesn't want to scar you if he doesn't have to. Burning them off is the best way to go if possible.

cruzaddict · 06-11-2004, 12:44 PM

Dear Rick7799,
Thank you so much for your reply to my post.You made me feel so much better,you have no idea! I will keep my eye on it,to make sure it falls off and will go back if it comes back.Now that I have found one,does it mean that I will be more prone to getting more in the future?Should I start keeping an eye on new things that pop up?Thank you again for your soothing words.