Skin Cancer Stories | Patients Share Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Skin Cancer Stories
Patients Share Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and worldwide. There are three major types of skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.

Below explore our skin cancer stories from patients who describe how they got diagnosed (first symptoms), undergoing treatments, and navigating life with skin cancer.

Note: We are trying to build more skin cancer stories! If you’re interested in sharing yours, please fill out our Intro Survey.

Table Of Contents

Melanoma Stories


Ellis E., Melanoma, Stage 3A



Symptoms: Changing mole on arm

Treatment:s Lymph node resection, immunotherapy (Opdivo), targeted therapy (BRAF inhibitor)
...

Rich B., Melanoma, Stage 3B



Symptom: Suspicious, dark spots
Treatment: Immunotherapy (nivolumab)
...
Jenn shares her recurrent melanoma cancer story
Jenn S., Melanoma, Recurrent (Stage 0 & Stage 1B) Symptom: Asymmetrical, multi-colored, large mole on the shoulder

Treatment: Surgeries, skin checks...
Chris shares his stage 4 mucosal melanoma story
Chris W., Mucosal Melanoma, Stage 4 Symptoms: Sweaty rectum, zit-sized lump in rectum that grew, lump that developed in right-groin

Treatments: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs)...

Amy H., Melanoma, Recurrent (Stage 1B, Stage 1A & Stage 0) & Cervical Cancer (Stage 1)



Symptoms: Melanoma: Bad sunburn leading to scarring; Cervical: painful intercourse, cramps, pain during Pap smear

Treatments: Melanoma: Excision and Mohs surgeries, Cervical: partial hysterectomy
...