MacScot

While not wishing to scaremonger, I would like to share my experience in having minor surgery to remove a small non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma - BCC).

I was worried about a small blemish on the side of my nose. I went to my local doctor for a referral to a surgical hospital. I found out that referrals are not needed in Dubai, you just call up a hospital or clinic to make an appointment. My doctor recommended the CosmeSurge clinic behind Emirates hospital on Beach Road, as cosmetic surgeons take extra care to avoid any potential scarring (lots of very fine stitches).

I turned up without an appointment but was seen by a skin specialist within 5 minutes and went for surgery (local anaesthetic) by a cosmetic surgeon 10 minutes later (whole cost DHS 2,000 including histology). Not that it was urgent, but just that there were so few people at the clinic. Anyhow, I am so glad I went and now not having to worry anymore.

Ultra-violet induced skin cancers are quite common among Australians and others with long cumulative exposure to the sun. I suppose many BE members are exposed frequently to the strong Middle East sun, especially those of you that have been here for a long time.

Moral of the story - if you think you have any skin spots or blemishes that are not healing or changing in size, colour or area - have a check up. Don't put it off indefinitely - you'll be glad you didn't - just for peace of mind.

Fairydust

I was only talking about this a few days ago and decided I must book appointments for us to go for mole mapping - think its a good idea as you say living here

lionheart

Worth considering...I have a dark blemish the size of a one dirham coin on my back. Its been there for twenty-five years and probably originated when I spent almost three months working under the Israeli sun. As it hasn't changed in size, I have ignored it...until now, perhaps.

Blue Cat

I agree, everyone out here has to be really careful with this. My Dad has had a load of melanomas removed, thankfully not malignant. However a good friend of mine's husband is suffering with the malignant variety. Very very sad. Good thread

Spugsy

I recently had some sort of spot on the back of my head, being an idiot I pciked it and it got massive, scabbed up for about 2 months, eventually mrs spugsy told me off and after a few weeks its (almost) disappeared.

It was unusual to be honest. Think I shoud get it checked out?

Fairydust

Yes definately

jrudofsky

Hmmm i have one on my arm for a while that I just assume is some scar tissue...like Spugsy i pick it but it never properly heals. Probably is scar tissue!

Madam Medusa

yeah, i must do this,m my dad has had a couple of the BCCs, and he and i are both sun worshippers, so my mum is on my case...

where do you go to get it done though...??

MM, xx

Spugsy

shall we have a BE trip out?

Fairydust

Hubby had his done as part of his medical a few months back - they do it at the clinic on al wasl where dr khan (the boob man !!) is can't remember the name and he can also remove any dodgy ones.

Madam Medusa

FD, as if i'd know where the boob man is, lmao...if you can remember the name, could you let me know, thanks doll...

MM, xx

Madam Medusa

oh could be a bit depressing...can we go straight on to the pub?!!

MM, xx

Fairydust

Haha ok next BE event:-

Deep sea fishing followed by shooting and rounded off with a session of mapping

NedKelly63

I've got a patch of hard discoloured skin on the back of my hand. I had it checked out before I came out here.

You may have something called Solar Keratosis (that's what I have). It's not dangerous if it's been 'static' for years, but if it starts kicking off, best to have it looked at

Fairydust

Medical International Specialist Centre on Al Wasl Road (almost opposite Life Pharmacy) 04 3499100 Dr Khan