This is a skin cancer with a poor prognosis and is very aggressive.
Danger of the sun on our skin is well known. But there are other risk factors for skin cancer that experts warn about. Like Merkel cell cancer, type Cancer that appears on the skin is rare and can be confused with a wart or insect bite. The doctor explains it Pilar Lopez CriadoHead of the Multidisciplinary Department of Skin and Melanoma MD Anderson Cancer Center in Madrid.
Let’s talk about skin tumors which are not always associated with the sun. Merkel cell carcinoma virus related (Merkel cell polyomavirus), which usually manifests itself as flesh-colored or red nodule bluish, especially on the face, head or neck– describes the doctor.
In older people
Therapeutically it resembles melanoma, but “it much more aggressive tumor and rare” (also with a worse prognosis), although if detected early, it can be cured, he warns. Dr. Lopez Criado. It usually appears like a papule, similar to a wart or an insect bite, so it is very often confused and not given importance.
“This is why it is important that if there is a skin change that lasts longer than usual, we consult a specialist,” he says. Develops mainly in older people and prolonged exposure to the sun or weak immune system may increase the risk of developing this disease.
melanoma
Sun-related skin tumors are mainly basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma“In addition to melanoma,” the specialist reminds. Skin carcinomas account for 90% skin cancer. The most common is basal cell carcinoma, a slow-growing cancer. which “rarely” spreads to other parts of the body.
Melanoma, although less common, is more dangerous than any carcinoma, explains the doctor
Squamous cell carcinoma is less common., but is more aggressive and more likely to grow deep under the skin and spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma, although less common, is more dangerous than any other carcinoma. It is expected that in 2024 About 8,000 new cases will be identified.
“Skin is the largest organ of the body and we are very at risk, but if we detect melanoma at an early stage, we have almost a 97% chance of cure,” explains Pilar López Criado.
aesthetic procedures
In addition, there are other skin diseases that They are also not related to sun exposure. The doctor talks about overexposure to toxins that can cause irreversible damage. In fact, he continues, more and more people are turning to “poorly controlled aesthetic treatment” and this can cause injury to our skin.
You should contact qualified beauty centers and avoid using solvents and adhesives that do not meet health recommendations.
A problem that also This happens in the aesthetics of nails, eyebrows or hairdressing., in the case of men. Warning: you should contact qualified cosmetic centers where hygiene is monitored and thus avoid the use of solvents or adhesives that do not meet the requirements. European health guidelines.
The doctor warns about alopecia or carcinoma caused by inadequate aesthetic treatment.
“We see squamous cell carcinoma they can be treated well, but because they affect the face, they dominate aesthetics and are treated incorrectly, even causing life-saving complications,” he warns. “A moment of impact has more power than what a doctor says. “, says Pilar Lopez Criado.
The doctor gives an example trend of gel nails or hair extensions. “For nails, I go to the center and apply them in any way, using any material and look for the cheapest one. The same thing happens with hair: I add extensions anywhere without considering the effect it can have on short hair. And, especially in the medium and long term. He concludes that this practice can lead to problems such as alopecia, which has no solution because the hair follicle is damaged, or to carcinoma. for aesthetic procedures inappropriate on nails.