When Queensland professor Dan Angus appeared on television, he never imagined that a viewer would spot something potentially life-threatening. While being interviewed for a story on ABC News, Angus, a digital communications professor at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), unknowingly revealed a suspicious mark on his cheek that caught the attention of Dr. Graeme Siggs, a South Australian GP with a keen eye for skin cancer.
An Observant Doctor Takes Action
Though Dr. Siggs had never met Professor Angus, he noticed the brown spot on his cheek during the news broadcast and felt compelled to reach out. He sent Angus an email suggesting he have the spot examined, noting that it looked concerning.
A Spot That Had Gone Unchecked
For years, Professor Angus had noticed the mark on his face, which he described as a large, flat freckle. Though previous doctors advised him to monitor it, no one had raised alarms about it needing urgent attention—until now.
A Thoughtful Warning Spurs Urgency
Dr. Siggs, having located older photos of Angus online, could see that the spot had gradually grown. Motivated by Dr. Siggs’ email, Professor Angus sought another opinion, ultimately pushing for a specialist referral.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Within weeks, Angus had a biopsy and received a diagnosis: in situ melanoma. Fortunately, the cancer was at an early, non-invasive stage, giving him a positive outlook. He now considers himself lucky to have caught it before it progressed.
A Skilled Surgeon Leaves a Small Reminder
To treat the melanoma, surgeons removed the lesion and surrounding tissue about the size of a 50-cent piece, leaving a 10-centimeter scar across Angus’s cheek. He expressed his gratitude for the surgeon’s precision, marveling at the quality of their work.
A Grateful Gesture
Following the successful surgery, Angus reached out to Dr. Siggs to express his gratitude, humorously promising a beer and a hug when he visited Adelaide. For Angus, who cherishes his wife and two young daughters, Dr. Siggs’ intervention was a profound act of kindness.
A Doctor’s Reward
Dr. Siggs, meanwhile, felt fulfilled knowing he may have saved a life. Recognizing that, left unchecked, the melanoma could have become life-threatening, he was simply grateful to have made a difference. This chance encounter highlights the power of human connection and the importance of vigilance when it comes to skin health.
This content has, in part, been generated with the aid of an artificial intelligence language model. While we strive for accuracy and quality, please note that the information provided may not be entirely error-free or up-to-date. We recommend independently verifying the content and consulting with professionals for specific advice or information. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the use or interpretation of this content.