In a remarkable health journey, Courtney Siley, a 36-year-old mother from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, turned a small mark on her face into a life-saving diagnosis. Initially dismissed as a “weird birthmark,” the mark transformed into a significant health concern, ultimately leading to her diagnosis of Stage II melanoma in July 2023.
For years, Siley believed the small mark on her cheek was harmless. It wasn’t until her family expressed concern and encouraged her to seek medical advice that she decided to act. After a consultation with a doctor and a preliminary test for melanoma returned negative results, Siley felt relieved. “I felt good and relieved that it wasn’t anything,” she shared, “and maybe I was right that it was just a weird birthmark.”
Despite this initial comfort, Siley continued to fixate on the mark. She reviewed old photographs and recognized that it had grown significantly, altering in shape and color. Siley recalled, “It had jagged edges, which was another cause for concern.” The Cleveland Clinic advises using the ABCDEs of skin cancer—Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving—to assess potential risks.
During her next annual check-up, Siley insisted on a biopsy, despite the prior negative test. Her determination paid off when she received the diagnosis of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. She expressed gratitude that it was caught early, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Melanoma is particularly prevalent among young individuals under 30, especially women. According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 30 percent of melanoma cases originate from existing moles. Siley underwent surgery about six weeks after her diagnosis to remove the cancerous tissue. Initially expected to be a quick procedure, the surgery took two hours due to the extent of the cancer, which was more significant than anticipated.
Recovering from the surgery was challenging for Siley. “I was in bed for about a week… my eye was basically swollen shut,” she recalled. The emotional toll was also substantial, as she grappled with the implications of her diagnosis while being a mother to two children. “I was scared. To think I went mistreated and how much worse it could’ve gotten if I didn’t demand that biopsy,” Siley stated.
The physical scars from her surgery extend from her cheek to behind her ear, requiring several weeks of stitches. Fortunately, she has since made a full recovery and encourages others to remain vigilant about skin changes. Siley highlighted the importance of early detection, noting that melanoma has a 99 percent cure rate when diagnosed early.
Using her platform, Siley has shared her experience on TikTok, where she has received over 710,600 views and more than 9,100 likes. She emphasizes the importance of addressing any skin concerns, saying, “There is nothing you will regret by getting it looked at.”
Siley’s story serves as a reminder of the critical nature of regular health check-ups and the need to listen to one’s body. Her message resonates: “I’m a survivor… I’m alive and I’m here for my kids, and that’s all that matters.” She expresses gratitude for the support of her family throughout this ordeal and aims to inspire others to prioritize their health.
