My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Melanoma / Skin Cancer Community

Announcements

A diagnosis of skin cancer or finding a suspicious spot can be frightening. Experts from the Skin Cancer Foundation and members can help you through the maze of diagnosis and treatment.

For more information:
Melanoma/Skin Cancer Health Center
Precancerous Lesions and Skin Cancer
Blog - Cancer Realities

Last Reply:

Melanoma on the face

surfing0617 posted:

I spent my life frying. About 17 years ago I had an invasive squamous cell carcinoma removed from the end of my nose. I have avoided the sun since then, and use moisture cream with sunscreen.
Now I've been diagnosed with a melanoma on my forehead. The Dr. is recommending a cream since he said the melanoma is just in the epidermis and it is on my face, instead of surgery. He said cream 3 times week for 90 days. I'm thinking I'd rather have it removed with surgery and live with the scar. I am 68 years old. Would love an opinion.

4 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Melanoma on the faceI spent my life frying. About 17 years ago I had an invasive squamous cell carcinoma removed from the end of my nose. I have avoided the sun since then, and use moisture cream with sunscreen.<br />Now I've been diagnosed with a melanoma on my forehead. The Dr. is recommending a cream since he said the melanoma is just in the epidermis and it is on my face, instead of surgery. He said cream 3 times week for 90 days. I'm thinking I'd rather have it removed with surgery and live with the scar. I am 68 years old. Would love an opinion.

millicentbash responded:

I'm 64 and had a melanoma removed from my left hand. I asked if I could use cream or something else besides surgery and my doctor said no.

I would suggest that you get a second opinion. Personally, I am not aware of any cream that can remove a melanoma. I could be wrong about that but when I asked my doctor about my hand and using a nonsurgical removal she said that was not a good idea. Perhaps there is something new on the market that I'm not aware of but in any case I would still get a second opinion.

Report This| Share this:Melanoma on the faceI'm 64 and had a melanoma removed from my left hand. I asked if I could use cream or something else besides surgery and my doctor said no. <br /> <br />I would suggest that you get a second opinion. Personally, I am not aware of any cream that can remove a melanoma. I could be wrong about that but when I asked my doctor about my hand and using a nonsurgical removal she said that was not a good idea. Perhaps there is something new on the market that I'm not aware of but in any case I would still get a second opinion.

surfing0617 replied to millicentbash's response:

Thank you. I totally agree and had the surgery. I have about a 2" scar, but it is healing nicely and probably won't be real noticeable when it is all healed.

Report This| Share this:Melanoma on the faceThank you. I totally agree and had the surgery. I have about a 2" scar, but it is healing nicely and probably won't be real noticeable when it is all healed.

millicentbash replied to surfing0617's response:

Good deal! Yes, a scar can be bothersome but it will heal and will fade away. As I've aged, scars on my face are now "disguised" as wrinkles.

Best of luck to you. And remember to get your skin screening done several times a year!

Report This| Share this:Melanoma on the faceGood deal! Yes, a scar can be bothersome but it will heal and will fade away. As I've aged, scars on my face are now "disguised" as wrinkles. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"> Best of luck to you. And remember to get your skin screening done several times a year!

surfing0617 replied to millicentbash's response:

I already have the wrinkles to help hide my scars, including the one on my nose from a previous surgery. My skin screening is now going to be every 90 days. Thank you for your encouragement.

Report This| Share this:Melanoma on the faceI already have the wrinkles to help hide my scars, including the one on my nose from a previous surgery. My skin screening is now going to be every 90 days. Thank you for your encouragement.

See Related Cancer Communities

See All Communities

Visit the Melanoma/Skin Cancer Health Center

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

Font Size!

Don't forget you can increase your font size by hitting and holding Ctrl on your keyboard and the plus sign at the same time. Could be ... More

Was this Helpful?

17 of 27 found this helpful

Living with Cancer

Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Sun Protection as a Way of Life

Understanding the FDA Final R...

Simple Steps to Sun Safety

Healthy Ways to Get Vitamin D ...

The End of Summer Does Not Mea...

Post a Resource | See All

Related Drug Reviews

Drug Name User Reviews

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other Melanoma/Skin Cancer Information

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

In-depth coverage:

Find us on:

URAC: Accredited Health Web Site

HonCode: Health on the Net Foundation AdChoices

About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us

Medscape Reference eMedicineHealth RxList Medscape MedicineNet BootsWebMD WebMD Corporate

First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory

WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.

Melanoma / Skin Cancer Community

See All