Dermatologist

[Mother1943]

Has anyone been told by their oncologist to see a dermatologist 2-3 times a year. She believes there is a connection between CLL and skin cancer.

[Panz]

Oh, yes….that is quite common. I see one once a year. I have has basal and squamous cell. Of course I am on guard at all times for anything unusual and get right in. It is a very good idea!

Panz 🙏💕🙂☘️

[Phil4-13]

My 1st appointment is next week for a once over annually. I’ve never had skin cancer, but am following this suggestion. Sandra 🙂

[GMa27]

My hematologist said there is no connection. She said the damage was done years ago. My friends have more skin issues than me. Also comes with age. Not sure if it's coincidence but either way I see dermatologist twice a year and monitor anything new. I live in Florida so I am in the sun a lot. Definitely good idea to get dermatology check ups.

[lankisterguy Volunteer in reply to GMa27]

Hi GMa27,Please relay the following studies & medical papers to your hematologist, there must be a misunderstanding

CLL patients are 5X to 8X more likely to get skin cancer than people with a normal immune system, and 2.3x more than other NHLs (Non Hodgkin Lymphomas) .

futurity.org/cll-leukemia-m...

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

ashpublications.org/blood/a...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/244...

Len

[Mother1943 in reply to lankisterguy]

Thank you for that information. I have a dermatology appt next month. First one in two years. Another in February

[headjog in reply to lankisterguy]

Interestingly my hematologist said the same, very low risk of skin cancer and/or secondary cancers. I've seen dermatology once in 3 years, and had a benign mole removed.

It feels like a lot of pressure on our partners to check moles etc, but knowledge is always good, to educate ourselves on skin cancer can't be a bad thing.

I think my hematologist just wanted me to go out and enjoy life and not worry.

We're having a massive covid spike here in the UK....so will be a while before I plan to get checked again.

Stay safe everyone

[GMa27 in reply to headjog]

Agree....there is too much generalizations out there. Same for dental issues with chemo. My hematologist & expert said if u have dental issues, you would of had them regardless. Yes there are some people who do have major dental issues after chemo. But I bet if there is a study, it's a small amount. I have had a few friends with severe life threatening health issues & stronger chemos than mine who had no dental problems. My poor hubby has 6 dental implants over the past 7 years- he never had chemo.

[GMa27 in reply to lankisterguy]

My Dad had CLL also. Had one or 2 basal cells in his 94 years. His friends had 5 times as many. I think it's the luck of the draw. I think every person has the risk of having skin cancer no matter what their health issues are or aren't. I have had CLL 15+ years. It's random. It's good to be careful and get check ups.

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

CLL patients are 5X to 8X more likely to get skin cancer than people with a normal immune system, and 2.3x more than other NHLs (Non Hodgkin Lymphomas) . futurity.org/cll-leukemia-m...

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

ashpublications.org/blood/a...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/244...

[Jilkat]

I see a dermatologist once a year. Not in the sun 'a lot.' If so use sunscreen and cover appropriately.

[Hidden]

I definitely have more suspicious skin lesions now. At last appointment I had two places surgically removed and many burned off. Go at least once a year.

[Hidden]

In recent years I have begun seeing my dermatologist three or four times a year because I have a history of malignant melanomas and numerous squamous cell carcinomas. All attributable to age, early sun damage and a seriously suppressed immune system. It is manageable.Owen

[BeckyLUSA]

Yes. When my dermatologist found out I had CLL, she increased my visits to twice a year rather than once a year. She actually took a 6 week course on CLL while in her residency. BeckyL USA

[wmay13241]

Over the past 6 years my wife has had over a dozen non-melanoma skin cancers removed by her twice-a-year dermatologist visits. Her oncologist and dermatologist both think this was caused by her 12+ NHL treatments.

[Vizilo]

I have had two non-melanoma skin cancer growths removed in the past couple of years. I see my dermatologist 2-3 times/year. She still believes the main culprit is sun damage 30-40 years ago when tanning products were the rage as opposed to sun screens. It’s too late to do much about it after 65 other than to monitor closely and remove all suspicious growths ASAP

[CLLCalifornia-USA]

My specialist makes sure I see a dermatologist every 6 months. She is aware of the CLL/skin cancer connection. I have had several areas removed over the past 13 years. Grateful for sound medical advice and a proactive hematologist. Sally