It all began a couple of years ago when I noticed an odd bump on my face. It resembled an obstinate pimple that simply refused to go away. After lingering for a few months, it faded into a raised, slightly discolored scar. My partner, Jake, had been urging me to get it checked out since he first spotted it, but I kept brushing it off.
In this photo from our honeymoon in 2014, you can see the bump about an inch beneath my left eye. I held onto the hope that it would eventually disappear, but by the end of 2015, it had only grown larger. Finally, three weeks ago, I decided it was time to visit the dermatologist. Without me even mentioning it, the doctor immediately pointed out the bump and suggested a biopsy to rule out skin cancer. Right there in the office, he used a razor to remove a significant patch of skin and sent me home with a band-aid on my cheek.
A week later, I received a call confirming that the biopsy had come back positive for basal cell carcinoma, which meant I’d need Mohs surgery to remove the cancerous cells. The procedure involves taking off one layer of skin, about 2 mm thick, and examining it under a microscope. They continue this process layer by layer until no traces of cancer remain.
Fortunately, I was lucky enough that only one layer needed to be removed. Once cleared, a plastic surgeon came in to stitch me up, requiring extensive stitching on either side of the circle to prevent puckering. Not the best look, but I joked that my pirate costume will now be more authentic.
As I recover, I’ve faced a barrage of questions about my appearance. While it’s a bit tiresome, I appreciate the concern from others asking, “What did it look like?” or “How can I tell?” My response is simple: If you see something suspicious, don’t hesitate—get it checked out. I had no clue anything was amiss.
Now, I’m on the hunt for the perfect hat to shield me from the sun. Most importantly, I want to stress the importance of always wearing sunscreen! For more tips on health and wellness, check out this informative resource.
This article was originally published on Aug. 24, 2016.
Summary
Emily Turner shares her personal experience with skin cancer, highlighting the importance of regular dermatological check-ups and consistent sunscreen application. After discovering a persistent bump on her face, she learned the hard way about the risks of neglecting skin health. Through her journey, she encourages others to be proactive about their skin and to always wear sunscreen.