After years of dismissing a small mark on her cheek as a mere birthmark, Courtney Siley received a life-altering diagnosis of Stage II melanoma. The 36-year-old mother from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, is now advocating for regular skin checks, emphasizing how a simple biopsy can save lives.
Siley first noticed the mark several years ago. Initially small and seemingly benign, it began to change in size and shape, prompting concern from her family. They encouraged her to seek medical advice, which ultimately led her to consult a doctor. Following a skin test for melanoma, the initial results were negative. “I felt good and relieved that it wasn’t anything, and maybe I was right that it was just a weird birthmark,” Siley recounted.
From Dismissal to Diagnosis
Despite the initial reassurance, Siley continued to scrutinize the mark. She looked through old photographs and realized the blemish had not always been present. By this time, it had significantly grown and developed jagged edges, alarming her once more. Distinguishing between a harmless skin mark and melanoma can be challenging, but the Cleveland Clinic notes that melanomas are often asymmetrical, unevenly colored, and have irregular borders.
During her next annual checkup, Siley made the decision to insist on a biopsy, regardless of previous test results. Her persistence paid off when, in July 2023, she was diagnosed with Stage II melanoma. While the news was frightening, she was relieved that it had been caught early.
Melanoma is one of the most common cancers among young people, particularly women under 30. It can arise in any area of the body, with approximately 30 percent of cases beginning in existing moles, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Facing Surgery and Recovery
About six weeks after her diagnosis, Siley underwent surgery to remove the melanoma. Initially, she was informed that the procedure would last around 45 minutes while she remained awake. However, due to the proximity of the cancer to her eye, the surgeon opted to administer anesthesia. The operation ultimately took two hours as the cancer was found to be larger than anticipated.
Following the surgery, Siley experienced significant swelling around her eye and a loss of appetite. “I was in bed for about a week after the surgery,” she said. “I also think I was slightly depressed with everything going on. I put on a tough face, but I was scared. I have two children I need to show up for.” Reflecting on her experience, she noted 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 at my next appointment.”
The scars from the surgery extend from her cheek to behind her ear, with stitches that remained for several weeks. Despite the physical reminders of her battle, Siley has made a full recovery and now emphasizes the importance of vigilance regarding skin health. Melanoma has a 99 percent cure rate when detected early.
Siley has taken to social media to share her journey, posting about her experience on TikTok (@coko_1289). Her video has garnered over 710,600 views and more than 9,100 likes, raising awareness about skin health. “I’m a survivor, and I think these scars have helped others realize how important it is to take care of their skin because you don’t want to end up like this,” she said. “But I’m alive and I’m here for my kids, and that’s all that matters.”
In light of her experience, Siley encourages anyone with concerns about their skin to seek medical advice, affirming that there is “nothing you will regret” by getting it checked.
