What led to Courtney Siley's melanoma diagnosis?

Courtney Siley's insistence on a biopsy for a changing skin mark, despite an initial negative test, led to her melanoma diagnosis.

What are the ABCDEs of melanoma recognition?

The ABCDEs are Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter, and Evolving changes.

What is the survival rate for early-stage melanoma?

When caught early, melanoma has a 99 percent chance of being cured.

Home / Health / Her Persistent Demand Saved Her Life

Her Persistent Demand Saved Her Life

17 Jan

•

Summary

A woman's insistence on a biopsy revealed Stage II melanoma.
Early detection offered a 99% chance of cure for her cancer.
Her TikTok post about scars went viral, raising awareness.

In July 2023, Courtney Siley of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, received a Stage II melanoma diagnosis after repeatedly requesting a biopsy for a skin mark she had monitored. Initially believed to be a birthmark, the mark's changing size and shape prompted her to seek medical attention.

Despite an initial negative test, Siley's persistent demand for further examination at her next annual checkup proved crucial. The subsequent biopsy revealed melanoma, a cancer that can affect any body part and is common in young adults. Early detection is vital, offering a 99% cure rate for melanoma.

Siley underwent a two-hour surgery to remove the cancer, which was larger than anticipated. Now fully recovered, she advocates for vigilance regarding skin changes, sharing her journey on TikTok to encourage others to get concerning marks checked. Her story highlights the importance of advocating for one's health.