I got too much sun as a kid. Not an uncommon story to tell for a senior. How do I know I got too much? Skin cancer.
There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Plus, there are other less common types of skin cancers.
My family doctors sent me to a specialist, the specialist took some scrapings and yesterday the results were in. Three areas tested were non-cancerous sun-caused skin blemishes and one was squamous cell carcinoma. It would have been removed immediately if it were not for my pacemaker/ICD. I need another specialist. The vast majority of skin cancers do not spread. Still, waiting another six weeks or more for removal is worrisome.
The other skin blemishes, the non-cancerous ones. were removed with blasts of liquid nitrogen. The cost? $100 plus $13 sales tax. As the removal was for purely cosmetic reasons, the provincial health insurance plan does not cover the removal. At least, the doctor guarantees his work. If the blasted blemishes return, he will blast them again at no charge.
4 comments:
Yes, many seniors in the USA also contend with a variety of skin cancers from too much unprotected sun as kids. I think my current tally is three basal cell cancers and two squamous cell cancers, and I have an appointment for mid-December to get some questionable spots looked at. In the USA, cost coverage depends on which insurance plan you have. I am fortunate to have Medicare because I am 73 and a supplemental private insurance to cover costs not picked up by Medicare. I don't remember having to pay for any of the skin cancers, but if I did, the amounts would have been modest. Many less fortunate US citizens avoid going to doctors because of worries about the costs.
Note: the cancerous lesion was covered by the Ontario government health plan. It was the cosmetic, liver-spot like things, that were not covered as these are not a health issue.
Growing up near the beach in Florida, I was always in the sun and as a result, I go to the dermatologist every year for a skin check. I also go in when there is anything I'm uneasy with and they usually take care of it. No skin cancers yet, but quite a few atypical moles have been removed. My copay is $40 because it is a specialist, but I have really good insurance. My dermalotogist will usually just blast anything with liquid nitrogen at no extra charge too, so I guess I'm lucky.
My dad had melanoma. The surgeon got all of it.
And then years later was the subject of an expose in the papers for his medical practices.
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