Dermatologist explains the dangers of basal cell carcinoma, what to look out for

Friday is Stand Up To Cancer Day, and Gov. Kathy Hochul is reminding everyone to get checked for skin cancer after she had a procedure to remove basal cell carcinoma from her nose. CBS News New York's Alice Gainer spoke with a dermatologist about the common cancer.

[elyzsabethahne]

It's very, very difficult to find a dermatologist who genuinely seems to care. There's only been one doctor I've found who has asked me if I've ever had a skin check. When I said "no, " he didn't offer it. I had to request it.

[Littlebit]

My PC referred me to my dermatologist for a growth that turned out to be hyaluronic acid. The first visit she did a full skin check. Said we do this again in 6 months then once a year after that. At the 6 month check she found a basal cell on my right shoulder blade. It was cleanly excised and I’ve had no more in the last about 8 years I guess… my dermatologist is lovely and scheduling is never a problem.

[garycallihan]

I have a dermatologist whose country of origin is Nigeria. This is in northern CA. She is excellent. At 71, I have been in a repair mode for almost two years. In the course of addressing concerns, another doctor, specializing in MHOs procedures, repaired the upper bridge of my nose. She was originally from Viet Nam....damn good!

[wafflesca]

I’ve been fortunate to have had two consecutive dermatologists who have kept on top on my basil cell carcinoma’s, I’ve been dealing with this for 30 years.

[jujubees]

I went to a highly rated dermatologist in Bayside Queens for this reason. To have an annual exam to scan my body for skin cancer. And he did not check me the way I see these doctors checking their patients. He barely looked at me. He only looked at two spots that concerned me. He said they weren't cancer. Asked if I had any other concerns? I said, "No." And he left. It was literally a 5 min appointment. I was expecting for him to check my whole body. He didn't. I think I am going to look for a more thorough doctor next time. Or maybe the state of New York needs to tell dermatologists what an annual skin exam should include. Because I'm sure he charged my insurance the full price.

[quinn-wfkk]

Saw a dermatologist who only checked my moles when I asked him to. He quickly just prescribed steroid creams and got and left. I wanted him to check a hard raised barnacle thing on my shoulder. Lousy service having waited 4 months on the list.

[theronwolf]

I developed a basal cell carcinoma at the end of last year on my ear. Had an in-office treatment to remove it, was conscious the whole time (really not as scary as that sounds) and it was successfully cleared up with a skin graft. I am glad I checked it out.

[jameswoffinden]

Skin cancer runs in my family. I get checked by my dermatologist regularly. Doing so can save your life.

[noneyabizness]

I went to their stupid website. There's only 5 states offering maybe 1 free clinic. Not as helpful as they try to make it sound.

[GorgieClarissa]

i'm glad they said FREE, because it must be nice to have enough money to go to a doctor that costs half your monthly salary

[justayoutuber]

I worked with a woman whose daughter died at 22 of skin cancer - 6 months after finding a tiny 5mm melanoma on her shoulder. Super sad.

[jlvandat]

I had just watched a video describing the importance of getting enough Vitamin D via sunlight exposure, then clicked on this one reminding me to use sunscreen. Life is complicated these days.

[JeanMccreesh]

I asked for a referral to a dermatologist in North Vancouver for a skin cancer check and was sent to a Persian doctor who was so ambivalent she didn't examine me at all, and gave me the sense I would not want her treating any skin condition I might have. I will have to ask for a new referral. It's scary that she doesn't take skin cancer seriously. I wonder how many patients she has sent away that actually have something brewing. I also wonder if she treated me this way because I'm not from her culture. 🇨🇦🤨

[tam]

My father died of melanoma at age 76. The doctor couldn’t find a spot anywhere on his body but he had 4 black toenails. That was the sign. By the time he was diagnose it had metastasized into his bones and organs. Don’t ignore changes in the color of your nails.

[theBeastcub]

I am doomed, I have always had so many moles, freckles and bumps, and have not had a day clear of acne since I was 11, and now I am growing those lil harmless red bumps all over that show up in your 30s, and turns out new moles do just up and happen especially in your 30s, I check myself every so often but I just really feel like I'd never be able to tell a benign thing from a dangerous thing until a dangerous thing grew enough to really stand out, and the thing is by the time a dangerous mark is so clearly dangerous it could have become systemic

[Noonecares]

Yeah this is great but finding a dermatologist that actually gives a crap is hard. I made an appointment for a full body check because I have some weird bumps and after waiting 4 months I get a letter a week before the appointment that says my appointment was cancelled by the physician and I would need to reschedule for another time. I now am waiting another 4 months before I can get seen by someone else.

[hempelchamp]

I Had The Procedure Done A Few Days Ago. The BCC Was On The Nose. Thank God, It Was Removed

[donnaallgaier-lamberti]

I've also had basal cell on my legs. Removed and no further issues.

[BigDsGaming]

Please obey everything your doctor says unconditionally ! I was diagnosed with melanoma 2 years ago, told her she was fired and today I am healthy and happy . Obey them !

[susancorrigan]

In Canada there is a great shortage of dermatologists. Good luck getting an appointment.