Skin Cancer

[jayhawk874]

Are there any quailied physicians in HuaHin familiar with skin cancer? And if not, can someone recommend the most quailified hospital or clinic and or physician.

[Spitfire]

Welcome to the forum Jayhawk874,

I can't be exact in answering that but you shouldn't be surprised if the answer comes back as "Bangkok" for more serious health matters.

[richard]

JH

Have a very good friend who's been here 15 years and suffers severe tissue problems on his face, neck and arms

Talked to him over breakfast today and he searched the region for treatment and only got it it solved with laser treatment at the Bumrangrad in BK

Don't know how severe your problem is but seems it may cost you a trip to BK

Cheers

[malcolminthemiddle]

Skin blemishes need the attention of a specialist to determine whether they are a type of skin cancer or not. A specialist would require a biopsy to be sure either way. Skin cancer is treated by surgical excision not by laser.

I speak from experience.

If you have some concerns just visit the Bumrungrad Skin Care Centre, they accept walk ins. Cost of an examination is circa Baht 2,500 and takes about 15 minutes.

Skin cancer can kill, so don't take any risks.

When in the sun use plenty of sun block.

[richard]

Endorse that maninthemiddle

All of us are different and we need a varied prognosis/diagnosis analysis

Had my eyes lasered but it took three attempts to finally decided on the right one. Think I'm ok though. Can see Pattaya from the gulf coast now

[margaretcarnes]

Yes sound advice Malcominthemiddle. Any changes in skin pigmentation/moles need expert and quick attention.
I remember visiting a friend in the 70's who was in the terminal stages of malignant melanoma. He was at home and literally huddled on the floor in a corner in agony. A result of the cheap Mediterranean holiday boom, and before morphine could be used at home. A terrible disease.

[jayhawk874]

Thanks for all the responses to my question about skin cancer and for the excellent advice from all. What seems to be the problem is that I occasionally get a small open ulcer. 6 months ago, I had a small one at the back of my ear surgically removed at Sao Paulo. They informed me that it was cancerous but not to worry. Recently, I had a larger one on my ear that caused my ear to swell looking like a wrestler. I am using tincture of iodine and also hydrogen peroxide and they seem to be working well. I believe that its viral and guess just cope with it when it occasionally breaks out. Again thanks for the responses.

[PeteC]

Thanks for all the responses to my question about skin cancer and for the excellent advice from all. What seems to be the problem is that I occasionally get a small open ulcer. 6 months ago, I had a small one at the back of my ear surgically removed at Sao Paulo. They informed me that it was cancerous but not to worry. Recently, I had a larger one on my ear that caused my ear to swell looking like a wrestler. I am using tincture of iodine and also hydrogen peroxide and they seem to be working well. I believe that its viral and guess just cope with it when it occasionally breaks out. Again thanks for the responses.

Full stop Jayhawk. I would definitely go to Bangkok and get a second opinion, especially after what San Paulo told you. While living in Hawaii I knew two people who had to have most of one ear removed due to skin cancer caused by the intense sun there. Ears 'stick out there' in the sun for our entire lifetime, and we don't usually remember to put sunblock on them. Best to be safe by going to a full fledged dermotolgist in BKK. Pete

[margaretcarnes]

Absolutely agree with Pete there Jayhawk. Please get a second opinion in Bangkok as soon as possible.

[norm]

Don't wait and watch to see how it goes as it can spread rapidly. Had several patches of skin cancer cut and burned off in Australia, most Dr's there are very familiar with it as the sun is extremely hot and everyone spends a lot of time outside.

On the bright side a patch on my forehead was surgically removed and a lot of wrinkles were lost in the process.

Good luck with it and Bumrungrad is a great hospital.

[MrPlum]

Don't wait and watch to see how it goes as it can spread rapidly. Had several patches of skin cancer cut and burned off in Australia, most Dr's there are very familiar with it as the sun is extremely hot and everyone spends a lot of time outside.

On the bright side a patch on my forehead was surgically removed and a lot of wrinkles were lost in the process.

Good luck with it and Bumrungrad is a great hospital.

Welcome to the forum jayhawk!

I'm certainly for trying Hydrogen Peroxide for less than 10 THB before having the hospital do it at far greater expense. Whether orthodox or natural the approach seems to be the same. Burn it off.

Another burning option is good old garlic. This article has some useful info on skin cancer... http://www.pathlights.com/nr_encyclopedia/17canc01.htm

Basically, cut a garlic clove in half and tape or band aid one wet half to the ear, Change it 2-3x per day. The sulphur compounds will burn it off in a few days.

I've used Bumrungrad myself and the service was excellent. If budget is limited hhfarang has previously suggested St Louis, which he rates highly.

Please let us know how you get on.

[darwinian]

Do not mess about with garlic.
See a specialist physician.

[MrPlum]

darwinian. Why tell someone NOT to try something that might actually help them? I wouldn't be so bold. The OP isn't yet 'messing about' with garlic but he is with Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine, apparently with some success, which you failed to mention. Better get after him.

If San Paulo have told him there's nothing to worry about then maybe there's no harm in trying something else. He'll know in just a few days if it works or not.

jayhawk
I could join the others and suggest you see a specialist but your OP post tells me you know that already. Some of your comments do raise questions. I'm curious as to how San Paulo concluded it was cancerous? Did they do a biopsy to confirm? And why did they say there was nothing to worry about? How can you conclude it is a virus if they have already diagnosed skin cancer? What makes you say the HP/Iodine is working?

I'm not sure if a biopsy can be done without an ulcer to play with. If you cure it, you might have to wait for the next one!

[Khundon1975]

Thanks for all the responses to my question about skin cancer and for the excellent advice from all. What seems to be the problem is that I occasionally get a small open ulcer. 6 months ago, I had a small one at the back of my ear surgically removed at Sao Paulo. They informed me that it was cancerous but not to worry. Recently, I had a larger one on my ear that caused my ear to swell looking like a wrestler. I am using tincture of iodine and also hydrogen peroxide and they seem to be working well. I believe that its viral and guess just cope with it when it occasionally breaks out. Again thanks for the responses.

jayhawk874

Had melanoma before, I did not wait around and try a self cure but went straight to specialist in UK.

It grows so damn fast, I wanted it gone before it went deep and was too late.

The longer you leave it the more tissue they will have to remove.

I am at a loss as to the advice you got from SP hospital. Cancerous but don't worry!!!

Get a second opinion from a dermatologist ASAP.

Good luck.

[margaretcarnes]

I suppose they might have meant 'pre cancerous' cells. A diagnosis which in itself would normally involve regular follow ups and monitoring.
Have to say though the thought of putting hydrogen peroxide on any skin which might already be raw, broken or inflamed doesn't really sound right. When people have 'burning away' treatment done medically, isn't it actually cauterisation - often using extremely cold temperatures - or more probably laser these days?