In the last hours, the 36-year-old singer Kevin Jonasa member of the Jonas Brothers group, surprised by stating in a video, on the social network Instagram, that he suffers from skin cancer on his face and that he had to undergo surgery to eliminate it.
“Today I am going to have a basal cell carcinoma removed from my head”, began his story, and then explained that “it is a real small skin cancer that started to grow and now I have to have surgery to remove it.” In his message, he urged his followers to check their moles and take care of his skin, detailing that a mole on his forehead turned out to be a malignant tumor.
“Make sure you check those moles.”said the singer at the end of the video, which quickly went viral and became a trend.
According to US Institutes of Health (NIH), for its acronym in English), skin cancer is the most common type of oncological pathology. And the main types of skin cancer are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
Melanoma is much less common than other types of cancer, but it is much more likely to invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. In addition, it causes the majority of deaths from skin oncological pathologies.
Carcinoma is a type of skin tumor. Most start at the top layer, the epidermis and there are three main types of cells:
- squamous cells: These are flat cells on the top of the epidermis that are constantly shed as new cells form. When these grow out of control, they can become squamous cell carcinoma.
- basal cells: They are at the bottom of the epidermis. They constantly divide to replace squamous cells that are shed from the surface of the skin. As they move towards the epidermis they become flatter, and over time they become squamous cells. Skin tumors that begin in the basal layer are called cell carcinomas. basal.
- Melanocytes: They are cells that produce the brown pigment called melanin that causes the skin to tan or become brown. Melanin acts as the body’s natural sunscreen, protecting the deeper layers of the skin against some of the sun’s harmful effects. Melanoma begins in these cells.
These types of tumors are found with more frequency in areas that have been exposed to sunlight, such as the neck, head, arms, although they can occur anywhere on the body. When diagnosed, they can be treated.
The dermatologist experts at Mayo Clinic They explain that this disease generally manifests itself in parts of the body exposed to the sun, especially the head and neck. Less commonly, basal cell carcinoma can occur on parts of the body normally protected from the sun, such as the genitals.
“Basal cell carcinoma appears as a change in the skin, for example, a lump or sore that does not heal,” they maintain and clarify that these skin changes (lesions) generally have one of the following characteristics:
- A shiny, skin-colored lump which is translucent, that is, you can see a little through its surface. The bump may be pearly white or pinkish on white skin. The bump may be shiny brown or black on tan or black skin. Small blood vessels can be seen, although they may be difficult to see on brown and black skin. The lump may bleed and then form a scab.
- A brown, black, or blue lesion (or a lesion with dark spots) with translucent and slightly raised edges.
- A flat, scaly patch with a raised edge. Over time, these patches can grow quite large.
- A white, waxy, scar-like lesion without a clearly defined border.
Basal cell carcinoma begins in basal cells, a type of cell found in the skin that produces new skin cells as old cells die.
It usually appears as a slightly transparent lump on the skin, although it can take other forms. And it occurs most frequently on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, such as the head and neck.
Most basal cell carcinomas are thought to be caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. Therefore, avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen can be ways to protect yourself from this evil.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), factors that increase the risk of basal cell carcinoma include:
- Chronic sun exposure. Spending a lot of time in the sun, or in commercial tanning beds, increases the risk of basal cell carcinoma. The threat is greater if you live in a sunny location or at high altitude, since both factors expose you to more UV radiation. Severe sunburn also increases the risk.
- Radiotherapy. Radiation therapy to treat acne or other skin conditions may increase the risk of basal cell carcinoma in previously treated skin sites.
- Clear skin. The risk of basal cell carcinoma is highest among people who have freckles, who burn easily in the sun, who have very light skin, who are redheads or blondes, or who have light eyes.
- Advanced age. Because basal cell carcinoma often takes decades to develop, most of these carcinomas occur in older adults. But it can also affect younger adults and is becoming more common in people in their 20s and 30s.
- Personal or family history of skin cancer. If you have had basal cell carcinoma one or more times, you have a high chance of having it again. If you have a family history of skin cancer, you may be at increased risk for basal cell carcinoma.
- Immunosuppressive medications. Taking medications that suppress the immune system, such as anti-rejection medications used after transplant surgery, significantly increases your risk of skin cancer.
- Exposure to arsenic. Arsenic, a toxic metal frequently found in the environment, increases the risk of basal cell carcinoma and other types of cancer. Everyone has some exposure to arsenic because it occurs naturally. But some people may have higher exposure if they drink contaminated well water or have a job that involves producing or using arsenic.
- Hereditary syndromes that cause skin cancer. Certain rare genetic diseases may increase the risk of basal cell carcinoma, including nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin-Goltz syndrome) and xeroderma pigmentosum.
The American Cancer Society recommends that to detect this disease in time you have to become familiar with your own body’s skin. “Learn about polka dot patternsimperfections, freckles and other marks on the skin to be able to detect any changes,” he noted.
Many doctors recommend their patients examine their skin, preferably once a month. It is best to do your skin self-examination in a bright room and in front of a full-length mirror. For areas that are difficult to see, such as the back of the thighs, a hand mirror should be used.
All areas should be examined, including the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, your scalp, your ears, under your nails, and your back. Friends and family members can also help with these exams, especially when it comes to hard-to-see areas such as the scalp and back.
It is also recommended to consult a dermatology specialist and indicate any area of the skin that concerns you.
See your dermatologist immediately if any of your moles have:
- A: asymmetry. One half of the mole is different from the other half.
- B: edges. The edges are irregular, diffuse or poorly defined.
- C: color. The pigmentation is not uniform, color changes are observed from one area of the mole to another.
- D: diameter. Greater than 6 millimeters or any change in size of a mole.
- E: evolution. There is a change in the size, shape, symptoms (such as itching or tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), or color of a mole.
In dialogue with Infobaethe doctor Graciela Manzurboss of Dermatology of the Clinical Hospital of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), explained that “skin tumors have many treatment options, such as creams and surgeries. Also in severe cases, medications are used to control the evolution of tumors in most patients. Therefore, today the key is that people are pay attention to changes in your skin and consult health professionals.”
“If a person has had tumors in the past, they should consider that tumors can appear again, especially in people with white skin, light eyes, blonde or red hair,” added Manzur.
