In my years of medical practice, I have witnessed countless times how diseases can creep in without even noticing. Cancer, the word is enough to make anyone fearful, but many times, in fact, changes in the body have already issued a warning. As a doctor, I see it as one of my responsibilities to help people identify these early signs so that they can stop the disease from progressing as much as possible.
Let me share a practical case to illustrate this more vividly. A few years ago, a middle-aged woman came to me for a consultation with unusual black patches on her back and underarms. She initially thought it was just a normal skin issue and didn't even pay attention to it for months. However, these changes are actually early signs of malignant melanoma. Luckily, she came in time and we immediately performed the necessary tests and treatments. This case is a poignant reminder of how important it is to observe changes in our bodies and seek medical attention in a timely manner.
Popular Science: The Relationship Between Skin Discoloration and Cancer
Skin discoloration can be a warning sign of a variety of health problems, including certain types of cancer. Understanding the reasons behind these changes can help us take timely action to avoid further progression of the disease.
1. Malignant melanoma
Malignant melanoma is a type of cancer that begins in the pigment cells (melanocytes) in the skin. One of the most obvious signs of this type of cancer is a change in an existing mole or the appearance of a new mole. Signs of change include changes in the size, shape, or color of the mole, especially if the mole becomes asymmetrical, has irregular edges, is unevenly colored, or is larger than 6 mm in diameter, which are important signals that need to be evaluated by a doctor.
2. Increased skin pigmentation
In addition to melanoma, other types of cancer, such as stomach or liver cancer, can also cause increased skin pigmentation. This change may manifest as a sudden, large, dark patch on the skin. While these changes don't necessarily mean cancer, if this pigmentation occurs at the same time as other symptoms such as drastic weight loss or persistent abdominal pain, you should seek immediate medical attention.
3. Partial darkening of the skin
Darkening of the skin in a particular area can be a sign of skin cancer, especially in areas that are frequently exposed to the sun. In addition, the skin in areas of chronic inflammation can also become cancerous. For example, long-term chronic dermatitis, if not properly treated and managed, can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Pay attention to the color changes in these two areas
In the process of focusing on health, it is crucial to observe the color changes in certain parts of the body. In particular, the color changes in the following two parts are signals that cannot be ignored:
1. Back
The back is an area that we don't easily observe on a daily basis, but its health is just as important. Unusual changes in skin color, such as sudden appearance of dark patches or irregular pigmentation, can be a sign of skin lesions. Melanoma on the back, although uncommon, is often difficult to detect in time, so you should seek medical attention as soon as you notice any abnormalities. This type of skin cancer has a very high success rate if detected and treated early.
2. Axillary
The armpits are another area to keep an eye on. The darkening of the skin under the armpits can be related to a variety of factors, including skin friction, changes in hormone levels, or certain health problems. However, if this darkening is accompanied by a change in the texture of the skin, such as becoming thick or induration, it could be a sign of a lymph node problem or another type of health problem. Especially in cancer treatment, the problem of lymph nodes needs to be taken seriously.
A guide to daily self-checks
In our daily health management, self-examination is a simple yet effective way to help us detect potential health problems early. Below is a detailed self-examination guide that focuses on the observation of the skin and is designed to help you identify signals that require further evaluation by your doctor.
Self-examination steps
Step 1: Preparation
Make sure to choose a well-lit room for the inspection.
Prepare a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror to examine parts of the body that are not easily reachable.
Choose a suitable time, such as after bathing, when the skin is cleanest and any abnormalities are most easily observed.
Step 2: Face and head inspection
Carefully inspect the face, ears, scalp, and neck. Use a hand-held mirror to help look behind your ears and behind your neck.
Look for any new or existing mole changes, including shape, size and color.
Step 3: Upper limb examination
Raise your arms and check both armpits and your entire armpit.
Watch for any unusual changes in skin color or new moles.
Step 4: Chest and abdomen examination
Examine the skin of the chest and abdomen for any unusual pigmentation or mole changes.
Women should also examine their breasts for abnormalities such as lumps, skin depressions, or nipple discharge.
Step 5: Back and lower limb examination
Use a handheld mirror and full-length mirror to examine your back and buttocks.
Sit down and check the front and back of your legs, not neglecting below your knees and feet.
Step 6: Recording and monitoring
If possible, make a note of any abnormalities you find, including the size, shape, and color of the mole.
Perform regular self-exams, preferably once a month, so that you can keep track of any changes or new moles.