In a perplexing turn of events, a British man in his 50s mistook a spot on his face for an ingrown hair, only to later discover it was skin cancer. According to reports from The Sun and other outlets on the 26th of this month (local time), Simon Heaton, aged 50, noticed an unfamiliar spot on his left cheek three years ago. This spot would occasionally disappear and then reappear, prompting Heaton to grow a beard to cover it. Initially, he dismissed it as acne or an ingrown hair, without taking it seriously. However, as the spot grew to about 4mm in diameter, he decided to visit a hospital. Medical tests revealed that he had ‘basal cell carcinoma’, a type of skin cancer. Heaton underwent surgery last October to remove the tumor, which left a scar about 7.6cm long on his face. Reflecting on his past, he noted, “I used to tan at least three times a week in my 20s, which I believe is the cause,” adding that medical professionals also attributed it to UV exposure. The course of treatment and any additional procedures would be determined six weeks post-surgery. He urged, “If you notice any unusual symptoms on your body, go to the hospital immediately. Even if it’s just a spot or an ingrown hair, get it checked by a doctor to verify what it is.”
Basal cell carcinoma, which Heaton experienced, is the most common form of skin cancer, originating in the basal cells that make up the lowest layer of the epidermis. Typically, its presence is easily observable on the skin’s surface, allowing for early detection. In particular, Asian people might confuse basal cell carcinomas for age spots or benign moles due to their potential brown or black appearance. This cancer usually starts as a nodule or a raised lesion and slowly grows, sometimes with a depression forming in the center of the spot.
Overexposure to UV rays is a principal cause of basal cell carcinoma, predominantly affecting areas of the face such as the nose, cheeks, head, and forehead that receive the most sun. If a sore appears around the nose and does not heal within 1-2 weeks, basal cell carcinoma should be considered. Unlike normal scabs that heal naturally after about a week, basal cell carcinomas tend not to mend easily. Thus, it is advisable to seek a biopsy if one observes wounds that bleed, do not heal, or ulcers form.
Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads and can be successfully treated through surgery and other interventions, assuming an overall favorable prognosis. However, if neglected for an extended period, cancer may metastasize to subcutaneous tissue and muscles and potentially reach the bones. Surgical removal of the cancer cells is straightforward and typically leads to a complete cure, though post-surgical radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be employed based on metastatic progress. Even though relapses are uncommon, regular follow-up examinations are crucial. To prevent basal cell carcinoma, diligent application of sunscreen is essential to block UV rays; it is recommended to apply it 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2-3 hours.