Surprising Truths Unveiled by a Doctor's Skin Cancer Diagnosis

by :https://us.cnn.com/

I’m a doctor who got skin cancer in an unexpected place

As a practicing physician, my life centers around caring for my patients, promoting their well-being, and being vigilant about health concerns. However, a few weeks ago, I was confronted with the painful reality that I had overlooked signs of a major health issue in myself. To my surprise, I was diagnosed with scalp skin cancer. This diagnosis of basal cell cancer and my delay in addressing it has led me to reflect on my own health habits and common misconceptions about skin cancer.

How I discovered my skin cancer

For more than a year, I had noticed an irregular patch of skin behind my left ear, concealed by my hair, making it easy to ignore. Assuming it was eczema, I tried using hydrocortisone, but to no avail. Eventually, I consulted a dermatologist, albeit much later than I should have, given my medical background. The biopsy revealed basal cell cancer, and another one was found on my neck soon after. I was baffled, considering how diligently I believed I had protected myself from sun exposure. I spend most of my time indoors at the hospital and consistently apply sunscreen. Sunbathing is a rarity, and on occasions when I’m in the sun for an extended period, I take precautions to cover up.

The factors that contributed to my skin cancer

As it turns out, my skin cancer likely developed over decades, resulting from a combination of genetics and past sun exposure. The damage caused by the sun’s UV rays accumulates over time, increasing the risk of cancer. Research in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention reveals that just five blistering sunburns during adolescence can raise the risk of melanoma by 80% and other skin cancers, like squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, by 68%. Therefore, I am likely experiencing the effects of my early years spent at the beach.

Moreover, my risk of skin cancer was elevated due to my family history, as my mother also had multiple skin cancers. A family history of skin cancer increases the risk of early-onset basal cell cancer by more than double, according to Cancer Epidemiology, while the risk of squamous cell cancer is quadrupled, as reported in Dermatologic Surgery. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology indicates a 74% increased risk of melanoma.

The surprising location of my skin cancer

Surprisingly, my skin cancer appeared on my scalp, under a layer of hair. I had wondered if sun-exposed areas like my nose or forehead would be more vulnerable.

Upon conducting some research, I discovered that 13% of skin cancers involve the scalp, as reported in the Journal of the German Society of Dermatology. Skin cancer can manifest in various unexpected spots, including the eyelids, palms of hands, and soles of feet. With the popularity of gel manicures, which use direct UV light on the hands and nails, the risk of skin cancer beneath the nails and in the cuticles is also increasing.

The importance of prevention and early detection

Skin cancer can affect individuals with all types of skin. While malignancies are more prevalent in fair-skinned individuals, skin cancer in darker pigmented skin is often diagnosed at later stages, leading to higher mortality rates. Everyone is at risk.

Given the escalating risk of developing skin cancer, it is crucial to develop good sun protection habits early on and to promptly seek medical attention for any unusual skin changes. Irregularities like changes in color, irregular borders of moles and freckles, non-healing skin wounds, and chronic peeling or scabbing should never be ignored. Regular skin exams, especially for those at higher risk, are essential.

This summer, prioritize your protection. Apply sunscreen generously, wear a hat, and seek shade whenever possible. And that peculiar patch of skin you’ve been neglecting? Don’t delay any longer; get it checked out by a doctor. I learned the hard way that anyone can get skin cancer, and it may appear in unexpected places. Early detection significantly improves outcomes, so do not hesitate to seek medical advice. I am grateful I did.