A routine medical checkup led to a life-altering diagnosis for Courtney Siley, a 36-year-old mother from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After years of dismissing a small mark on her cheek as a harmless birthmark, Siley insisted on further testing, ultimately discovering she had Stage II melanoma in July 2023.
For many years, Siley thought the mark was simply “a weird birthmark.” It was so small that it barely registered in her daily life, until it began changing in size and shape. Family members began to express concern, prompting her to seek medical advice. Initially, a biopsy indicated that the mark was not melanoma, providing Siley with a sense of relief.
However, the mark continued to evolve, prompting Siley to scrutinize old photographs. This reflection led her to realize that the blemish had not always been present on her face, raising her concerns. By this point, the mark had grown larger and developed jagged edges, characteristics that can indicate melanoma.
The Cleveland Clinic advises using the ABCDE method to identify skin cancer signs: A for asymmetry, B for border irregularity, C for color variation, D for diameter, and E for evolution. Following this guideline, Siley made the decision to demand a biopsy during her next annual checkup, despite previous negative results.
Siley’s persistence paid off when she was diagnosed with melanoma. “I was horrified when I heard the news, but I was grateful it was found early,” she said. Melanoma is among the most common cancers in individuals under 30, particularly affecting women, with around 30 percent of cases arising from existing moles.
Approximately six weeks after her diagnosis, Siley underwent surgery to remove the melanoma. Initially expected to last only 45 minutes, the procedure extended to two hours due to the cancer’s size and proximity to her eye.
Post-surgery, Siley faced significant physical challenges. “I was in bed for about a week,” she recounted. “My eye was swollen shut, I lost my appetite, and I struggled emotionally with the situation.” The ordeal was particularly daunting for Siley, who is a mother to two children. She reflected on the importance of her insistence for further testing, recognizing the potential severity of her condition had she not advocated for herself.
The surgical scars now extend from her cheek to behind her ear, serving as a constant reminder of her battle with cancer. Fortunately, Siley has made a full recovery and is now in good health. She emphasizes the importance of vigilance regarding skin changes, noting that melanoma has a 99 percent cure rate when detected early.
Siley has taken to social media, sharing her journey on TikTok, where her story has resonated with many, garnering over 710,600 views and more than 9,100 likes. “I’ve received plenty of advice on how to cover my scars, but I believe they tell a story of survival,” she said. “I’m here for my kids, and that’s what truly matters.”
As Siley continues to heal, she encourages others to be proactive about their skin health. “There is nothing you will regret by getting checked,” she advises. Her experience highlights the critical nature of regular health assessments and the potential impact of early intervention in health crises.
For those concerned about their skin or health, Siley’s story serves as a powerful reminder to seek professional guidance without delay.
