Do not be subjective with skin abnormalities.

Increasing number of patients

Coming to the Central Dermatology Hospital for examination when the mole removal wound on her face was oozing fluid that did not heal and was itchy, Ms. LTH (42 years old, Bac Giang) said: "I have had a mole on my cheek for a long time, but in recent years, the mole has grown rapidly and is rough, looking very unsightly. I decided to remove the mole at a spa near my house. However, after removal, the wound did not heal."

According to doctors, when moles or unusual black spots appear on the body, you should go to a medical facility for timely examination (illustrative photo).

The dermoscopy test results showed that Ms. H had melanoma, a highly malignant cancer. However, the treating doctor said that Ms. H was lucky that the cancer was in the early stages, only progressing locally and not yet metastasizing, so the chance of treatment was good.

Meanwhile, Mr. PVL (65 years old, Hung Yen), was brought by his family to examine a black, rough spot near his heel. According to Mr. T, the black spot had appeared for many years without causing any discomfort. However, recently the black spot spread into a patchy patch.

Through the results of imaging and testing, Mr. L was diagnosed with melanoma on the sole of his right foot. He had to undergo extensive surgery to remove all cancer cells and limit recurrence.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Sau, Deputy Director of the Central Dermatology Hospital, said that in the two years 2023-2024, the number of skin cancer patients recorded a significant increase. Each week, the hospital has about 10-20 patients coming for examination and treatment. In total, the hospital receives about 300-500 skin cancer patients each year.

There are two types of skin cancer: non-melanoma (basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma) and melanoma, the most aggressive type, with a high rate of metastasis.

If 5 years ago, the disease was rare with only about 25 cases/year, recently, the hospital has recorded 1-2 cases/week.

Easy to misdiagnose

Dr. Nguyen Huu Quang, Deputy Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Central Dermatology Hospital, said that skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in both sexes, in people who work under the sun; it develops mainly on areas exposed to sunlight, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms, hands and feet. Lesions can also form on the palms, feet, pressure areas; under the fingernails/toenails...

According to Professor, Dr. Nguyen Huu Sau, early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma, will make treatment easier, reduce the economic burden, and increase the 5-year survival rate to 90%. If in the late stages, this rate is only about 10-20%.

Mr. Quang added that many previous cases examined at other medical facilities were misdiagnosed with cancer for other diseases such as dermatofibroma, moles, freckles, warts, etc., leading to incorrect treatment, causing the cancer to progress faster, the disease to metastasize nearby, distant metastasis (brain, lungs, etc.) to invade, making later treatment more complicated and more expensive.

According to Dr. Huu Sau, prevention and early detection of skin cancer are very important. Therefore, people should use sunscreen regularly, improve their immune system, and avoid exposure to risk factors to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

When skin patches or moles appear with unusual colors, asymmetrical shapes, rapid growth, easy ulceration, easy bleeding, recurrence, etc., they need to be examined, diagnosed and appropriately intervened.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/cho-chu-quan-voi-nhung-bat-thuong-tren-da-192241202235714394.htm