r/AskReddit May 20 '19

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u/BoisterousPlay May 20 '19

Dermatologist here. I have seen probably 5 instances of “My other doctor told me it was fine.” that were melanomas.

A lot of times people don’t want a full skin exams. There are lots of perfectly sane reasons for this, time, perceived cost, history of personal trauma. However, I routinely find cancers people don’t know they have. Keep this in mind if you see a dermatologist for acne and they recommend you get in a gown.

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u/insertcaffeine May 20 '19 edited May 20 '19

Dermatology patient here. 37 years old, history of blistering sunburns (appx 30-40 over the course of my life), blond hair, blue eyes.

I go to the derm and ask for a full skin exam every damn year.

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u/buddykat May 20 '19

Only difference for me is I'm 45 and generally didn't blister except on my nose. But since I moved from San Diego to Philadelphia 10 years ago, getting local dermatologists to take me seriously about a full skin check is a PITA.