Some skin signs require urgent consultation. Indeed, basal cell carcinoma, the most frequent type of cancer of the skin, manifests itself by banal symptoms, which can easily be ignored.
If you are faced with this type of symptoms, consult without delay
A bleeding button or a stain that does not heal? These symptoms can be those of basal carcinoma. Quite unknown, this type of skin tumor develops slowly but can cause serious damage if it is not taken care of quickly.
Dr. Daniel Sugai, dermatologist trained at Harvard warns on these too often trivialized signs. In a video relayed on Instagram, he shares a symptom that he regularly meets.
“J” often hear patients say that they have just washed their face and that a continuous stain of bleeding, creating a bleeding cycle “. This recurring bleeding, even very light, must alert, especially if it comes back to the same place.
Indeed, basal carcinoma does not always look like a disturbing bump. “”This can be a small wound that does not heal, a bump or a flat and scaly skin “ he describes.
Visual signs never ignore
The Skin Cancer Foundation site detail several typical appearances of basal cell carcinoma:
- An open wound that bleeds or does not heal;
- A red, irritated or rough zone;
- A brilliant, pearly, pink or white bump;
- A small pink outgrowth with a slightly raised edge;
- A white, yellow or waxy scar, with blurred contours.
“”In my patients with colorful skin, I most often find a pigmented basal cell, generally hyperpigmented with a little mixed red. And over time, she will start to bleed easily“Adds Dr. Sugai.
To confirm the diagnosis, dermatologists use a dermatoscope, which makes it possible to observe details invisible to the naked eye. “”This little spot on the lip was skin cancer, and most people would have ignored it because it was flat and did not bleed“He explains.
Frequent, slow cancer … but to be treated systematically
Basocellular carcinoma develops from basal cells, located in the deep layer of the epidermis. “Basy carcinoma is the most frequently diagnosed skin cancer in town” explained Dr. Caroline Pouget to us in a previous article. “”It concerns adults and generally appears around the age of 50“.
Although it is rarely fatal, it is not to be taken lightly. “”This cancer does not result in metastasis, but it can infiltrate the skin level and create damage if we let it evolve in the area concerned“, she warns.
Treatment is compulsory as soon as the diagnosis is made. “”Even if it is not cancer that has the most severe forms, the patient is not immune to a recurrence. On the other hand, they are cancer cells and basal cell carcinoma always requires the implementation of treatment “.
Sun exposure remains the main cause
The main risk factor? The sun. And more specifically the sunburns suffered between 0 and 19 years old, which permanently mark DNA. “”It is essentially the sunburns between 0 and 19 years old that increases the risks. Sun exhibitions thereafter can be aggravating“Prevents Dr Pouget.
Dr. Sugai recalls the importance of protection from childhood. “”People do not realize that the first 20 years of life are so important regarding sun protection. Having sunburns early in life will certainly affect the health of your DNA later“He concludes.