Hi everyone! I'm a German living in Butuan City, and I'm hoping some of you can share your experiences.
On my last trip to Germany, I had a skin cancer screening with my family doctor. He found two moles on my back: one he flagged as a possible melanoma, and one that needs watching. I'm back in the Philippines now and want to have them properly checked by a specialist, and removed with a biopsy if needed.
So far I've contacted St. Luke's, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, and Chong Hua in Cebu. I already have a few doctors' names, but I'd really like to hear real experiences from people here.
My questions:
1. Has anyone had a mole checked or removed (with a biopsy) here? Which doctor or hospital would you recommend, and how did it go?
2. Does anyone know a good dermatologist in Mindanao (Butuan, CDO, Davao) who does dermoscopy and skin lesion removal, so I don't have to fly to Manila or Cebu?
3. Roughly what did you pay for the consultation, removal, and histopathology?
4. How long did the biopsy results take, and could you do the follow-up remotely?
Any tips are appreciated. And if you haven't had a skin check in a while, living under the Philippine sun, let this be your reminder to get one!
Thanks in advance! 🙏
A dermatologist in Cebu saw a spot on my bald head and said 'uh-oh.' But it was beyond her skills. She recommended Dr. Cynthia Tan at St. Luke's in Manila. GREAT doctor. Trained in skin cancer surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, former head of dermatology at St. Luke's. Married to a cosmetic skin surgeon. Biopsy = 7,000. Cancer. Oops!!! Surgery 1 (yes, ONE) centimeter deep, 2.5 cm across (to try to get all the roots), with a skin graft from my groin (see any stitch marks?) to cover the crater. 35,000 pesos. No regrowth 8 years later, still A-OK.
I had a big mole removed at St. Luke's and it went fine.
Dr. Lesley Mangaoil at Davao Doctors Hospital
I had it done in Bacolod for 25,000 pesos and got the results after a week
UV exposure is extremely high in the Philippines. Just saying. And for those of us who lack melanin, the risk is high.
If I were you, I'd find a competent dermatologist in Butuan City. A suspected melanoma needs attention ASAP. You'll need checkups right after surgery and yearly follow-ups to make sure you're fine, so it's better to stay local. Unless money and time aren't a concern. Then St. Luke's is a good option.
Comments 0
Please log into write a comment.