A woman from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, has shared her journey from a seemingly innocuous facial mark to a life-altering diagnosis of Stage II melanoma. Courtney Siley, 36, initially dismissed the small mark on her cheek as a “weird birthmark.” However, as it changed in size and shape, family concerns prompted her to seek a medical evaluation.
After undergoing a biopsy, the initial results came back negative for melanoma. Siley felt relieved, believing the mark was harmless. Yet, a few months later, she became increasingly fixated on it, noticing that it had grown and developed jagged edges. This prompted her to revisit the issue during her next check-up.
Siley insisted on a biopsy despite previous results, stating, “I told the doctor I wanted it biopsied, regardless of what the last test said.” Her persistence paid off when she was diagnosed with Stage II melanoma in July 2023. Early detection is crucial, as melanoma is one of the most common cancers among those under 30, particularly women. According to the Cleveland Clinic, around 30 percent of melanoma cases originate from existing moles.
Following her diagnosis, Siley underwent surgery approximately six weeks later to remove the cancerous tissue. Initially, the procedure was estimated to last 45 minutes while she remained awake. However, due to the tumor’s proximity to her eye, the surgeon opted to put her under anesthesia. The surgery ultimately extended to two hours, revealing that the cancer was larger than anticipated.
The recovery period proved challenging for Siley. “I was in bed for about a week after the surgery,” she recounted. “My eye was basically swollen shut, and I didn’t have much of an appetite.” The emotional toll was equally significant, as she grappled with the fear of leaving her two children. Siley acknowledged the importance of advocating for her health, stating, “To think I went mistreated and how much worse it could’ve gotten if I didn’t demand that biopsy.”
The scars from her surgery stretch from her cheek to behind her ear, and she had stitches for several weeks. Fortunately, Siley has made a full recovery and received a clear bill of health. She now emphasizes the importance of vigilance regarding skin changes, noting that melanoma has a 99 percent cure rate when detected early.
In her efforts to raise awareness, Siley shared her experience on TikTok, where her posts received over 710,600 views and more than 9,100 likes. She expressed gratitude for the support from her family during this difficult time. “I’m a survivor, and I think these scars have helped others realize how important it is to take care of their skin,” she said.
Siley’s story serves as a reminder of the critical role regular check-ups play in early cancer detection. She encourages anyone with concerns about their skin to seek professional advice, asserting, “There is nothing you will regret by getting it looked at.”
For those facing health issues, sharing concerns can lead to valuable advice and support. Readers are encouraged to reach out via [email protected] for assistance.
