During the consultation, the dermatologist analyzed the spot and suspected that it was a case of skin cancer. "Let's say, the skin cancer was removed," explained oncologist Luis Antonio Lara Mejía in an interview with El Financiero. The specialist indicated that basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are treatable with surgery or other types of treatment when detected early.
Lara Mejía detailed that one of the first symptoms of skin cancer can be the appearance or growth of moles. People who spend more time in the sun may develop the disease. Patients with a history of childhood burns or a family history of skin cancer also have a higher likelihood than the rest of the population.
In these cases, patients may experience different symptoms depending on the area to which the disease has spread. Lara Mejía explained that the most common areas where cancer spreads are the lungs, liver, or brain. When it comes to a brain tumor, recurrent and intense headaches occur.
The oncologist detailed that one of the main causes of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet rays. In Mariana's case, an acral lentiginous melanoma was detected, one of the most severe types of skin cancer, which was surgically removed.
To clarify the issue, Dr. Luis Antonio Lara Mejía emphasized four warning signs that may be a signal of possible skin cancer when a mole appears: rapid growth, asymmetry, multiple colors in the mole, and sensations of pain, itching, or ulceration.
In addition to the abnormal growth of a mole, when it comes to melanoma, this cancer has the ability to metastasize, meaning it spreads to other parts of the body. Each year, between 11,000 and 16,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Mexico.
In Mariana's case, 8 months ago, while drying her feet, she noticed that a mole had appeared. After several consultations and misdiagnoses, Mariana was finally correctly diagnosed with skin cancer. Prevention against skin cancer includes the use of sunscreen, staying in the shade, and performing periodic self-examinations.
