Coach Bob Stoops Has Pre-Cancerous Spot Removed From His Face

Sooner football coach Bob Stoops recently had a pre-cancerous spot removed from his face. Coach Stoops was signing autographs at Monday’s Sooner Caravan with several stitches across on his cheek.

“Pre-cancerous spot, something had to obviously be cut out,” Stoops said.

5/7/2013 Related Story: OU Coach Bob Stoops' Tulsa Visit Prompts Skin Cancer Reminders

“The goal is to find them at that phase before they turn into cancer,” said Dr. Mary Ann Bauman. Dr. Bauman says the two least harmful types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell, can easily be removed if they are caught in time.

“If you’re seeing new scaly areas, areas that are growing quickly, itching, bleeding irregular bordered, turning black or variegated black color these are things to check with your doctor,” Dr. Bauman said.

The cancer is most commonly found in areas exposed to the sun: arms, face, ears. A sunburn increases the risk even more.

“Basal cell typically doesn’t kill, but it can be very disfiguring because it continues to grow and erode the skin, I had patients who had part of their nose eroded because of basal cell that wasn’t taken care of,” Dr. Bauman said.

But Coach Stoops says Sooner fans need not worry, A strong defense, took care it.

“No big deal, I’m good,” he said.

Of course, the most dangerous type of skin cancer is Melanoma. It can be deadly.

Dr. Bauman also points out that between 1970 and 2009, they saw an increase of 800 percent in skin cancer in young women, and 400 percent in young men. Keep that in mind this summer.