My Trip To The Dermatologist As A Pathologist Ironman Athlete

Hi folks,

I’ve seen cancer in many guises during my scientific career of over 40 years, including material from domestic animals and research studies, and clinically as it took loved ones from my life. I know this beast pretty well, so when I go for a health screen I wonder - is it my turn? My recent visit to my dermatologist, Dr. Robin Thompson of Chapel Hill Dermatology, was no exception. I was aware from direct observation that I had several new lumps and bumps, all looking like solar or seborrheic keratosis. But there was a new one, right on my forehead. Robin took a biopsy of this small but potentially lethal lump for pathology (my discipline). I’ll know in a week what the pathologist concludes. The first time a biopsy was taken in Robin’s office I requested a spare section for my own interest. I wrote about that ‘spiritual experience’ in a previous post on über-consciousness.

You can save yourself from dying of skin cancer by simply having regular checkups by someone who knows what they are doing. As an older Ironman athlete who exercises for better health, I spend many hours out in the sun, so this is particularly important in my case. You are not exempted from this risk, whether you are well tanned or almost white like me. Skin pigmentation and hair provide considerable protection from the cancer-inducing effects of sunlight, but they are not a complete defense.

-k @FitOldDog

 Important Note: These posts do not provide medical advice. You should always consult your physician before undertaking or significantly modifying an exercise program.

Copyright © 2010 Kevin T. Morgan aka FitOldDog, Old Dogs in Training, LLC.