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
Symptom: Changing mole on arm
Treatments: Lymph node resection, immunotherapy, targeted therapy (BRAF inhibitor)
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Rich B., Melanoma, Stage 3B
Symptom: Appearance of suspicious dark spots
Treatment: Immunotherapy
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Jenn S., Melanoma, Recurrent (Stage 0 & Stage 3B)
Symptom: Appearance of asymmetrical, multi-colored, large mole on the shoulder
Treatments: Surgery, skin checks
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Chris W., Mucosal Melanoma, Stage 4 Symptoms: Sweaty rectum, pimple-sized lump in rectum that grew, lump that developed in right groin
Treatments: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs)...
Treatments: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs)...
Caitlyn M., Melanoma, Stage 4
Symptoms: Severe pain on the side pain that worsened over time, pelvic pain and a feeling of pressure resembling labor, swollen lymph node on the cheek
Treatments: Multiple surgeries to remove tumors, targeted therapy (Opdualag/nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw)
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