WICHITA, Kansas, May 29, 2008 – Many viewers have noticed skin issues with KSN’s Larry Steckline. Those issues are actually skin cancer.

Up until now, what viewers could see was simply the result of a topical treatment fighting precancerous areas, but Larry actually had to go under the knife to get rid of the troubled spots.

“He has what we call basal cell carcinoma which is most common of all skin cancers there will be over a million cases this year,” said dermatologist Dr. Chris Moeller.

“Well the old farmers -- we don't listen very well and back in 60's when we were on tractors not many thought of skin cancer, and I don't know if there was anything to put on at that time or not --- except a hat,” said Steckline.

As with most skin cancers, Dr. Moeller says the combination of sun exposure and genetics probably makes Steckline’s entire family a big target.

“My dad had cancer on his nose, that had to be taken out it was a pretty bad one too as big or bigger than one I have in my ear,” Steckline said.

The fix, in Steckline’s case, is Mohs surgery.

“Basically what it is is they cut it out till it's all gone and it's kind of scary to think of, but it could take all day today,” Steckline said.

They started with a small spot inside the ear; barely noticeable to anyone else. On the day of the biopsy, it was easier to see. In all, it took four cutting, testing and waiting periods to get all the cancer removed.

The next day, they tackled a little area on the cheek; confident the problem would be solved.

“So now most surgery is very safe low risk with the highest cure rate,” Dr. Moeller said. “For primary basal cell the cure rate approaches 99 percent.”

So even though we tried to lighten the mood, we all realized this cancer scare would at the very least leave its mark on our family.

“The face is the money no doubt about it,” Steckline said. ”The cheek seems a lot smaller, but they say they can't tell how deep it is. I do have on my face at least another doctor who will do final work so it will not show much of a scar at all.”

As for the scar that appeared immediately after the cancer was removed, Dr. Matt Conrad, a plastic surgeon here in Wichita, patched him up.