Mrs. Wood continues to provide medical excitement...she got a call this morning from her dermatologist that she has a basal cell carcinoma on her face....a form of skin cancer above her lip on the left side. This is the most common form of cancer world wide. Basal cell cancer does not usually metastasize or travel in the bloodstream; rather it infiltrates the surrounding area destroying tissue. It is not melanoma.
The dermatologist is recommending a specialized technique called Mohs micrographically controlled surgery. The skin cancer is removed under local anesthesia and microscopic sections are prepared on slides . The Mohs surgeon examines the slides to determine if most of the cancer cells have been removed. If not additional layers are taken until the cancer is completely excised. The advantage of this technique is that a minimum amount of tissue is removed and all the edges of the specimen are carefully studied.
The problem is the holidays approaching...trying to find a surgeon who can schedule Linda in. The dermatologist is working on that and we should hear back soon. We shall see.
Tomorrow. I have PDT done.....PDT is Photodynamic Therapy. It is a process where precancerous cells in the face and scalp are eliminated through a process of using a chemical on the face and scalp and subjecting it to a blue light source. Then I have to avoid all sunlight for 48 hours and will have blistering and a sun burn complexion..the severity depends on the amount of damage to the skin. Sounds exciting...not really.
So that summarizes our "exciting news of the day".
UPDATE: Linda's Mohs surgery is scheduled for Wednesday...12:30...3 to 6 hours....sounds big....but they say it is under local anesthesia....with tissue taken off....checked under a microscope....then more tissue ....until clear of cancer cells.
Linda's discription..." a pimple that doesn't go away"....
They told her she'd have quite a bandage...so the Christmas pictures should be great....
Monday, December 15, 2008
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6 comments:
Wow. Sounds like a pretty nifty procedure for that basal cell. I had a basal cell on my back a number of years ago and they just went in and sliced it off with a scalpel. But, they didn't actually think it was a basal cell at the time (lab tests showed it was, but they got all of it). They're simple little suckers to take care of and Linda will be fine.
Hope you both are feeling better from your colds. Your holiday decor looks so great! I can't even get up the excitement to bother decorating, but that's nothing new...
Stay inside, keep warm and feel better. Love to you both, as always.
It sure sounds like you're both trying to give us some more excitement... I'm sure all will go well with your procedure. :)
Stay warm and cozy, and hope you're both feeling better soon!
Take care,
Jim and Swee
we know of 2 people who have had this procedure done with great success. I'm sure yours will be too.
We'll be thinking of you both. Hope things settle down after that time.
Stephanie & Jim
Had 2 probable basal cells removed from the right outside of my nose Friday by laser. It was no fun, but I'm glad they are gone. Now I'm waiting to learn if they were basal cell or not. I'll be sympathizing with you Wednesday.
Margaret
Linda, Bob had the Mohs surgery on his back a few months ago. Don't let the length of time scare you. It's lengthy due to the time it takes to check the cells each time. You should be just fine.
17 below in Denver last night but
only a couple inches of snow. Both of you take care. Bob and Julie Brown
Hey Linda, join the club. I have had numerous basil cell cancers removed. Some done by a cosmetic surgeon and others done by the dermatologist. So far, go good. You'll be fine. Good luck.
Kay
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