Pimples are the bane of every teenager’s existence.
But what happens when a seemingly innocent pimple turns out to be something much more dangerous? Such was the case for a young woman in her early 20s who noticed a small bump on her chin that she thought was just a pimple. However, after seeking medical attention, it was discovered that the bump was actually nodular melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can be deadly if not caught early.
What is nodular melanoma?
Nodular melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce pigment in the skin.
Unlike other types of skin cancer that tend to grow slowly and stay close to the surface of the skin, nodular melanoma grows quickly and can penetrate deep into the skin.
How is nodular melanoma diagnosed?
Nodular melanoma can be difficult to diagnose because it often looks like a harmless bump or mole. However, there are certain characteristics that doctors look for when diagnosing nodular melanoma. These characteristics include:.
- A round, symmetrical shape
- A diameter of more than 6 millimeters
- Uneven coloring, with shades of black, brown, and tan
- A raised or bumpy surface
- A rapidly growing size
- Bleeding, oozing, or crusting
If a doctor suspects that a bump or mole may be nodular melanoma, a biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
During a biopsy, a small piece of tissue is taken from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.
The young woman’s story
The young woman who discovered she had nodular melanoma thought that the bump on her chin was just a pimple. However, after a few weeks of the bump not going away, she decided to seek medical attention.
Her doctor initially thought that it was just a harmless bump, but decided to biopsy it just to be safe.
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Unsuspecting nodular melanoma images
The biopsy results came back positive for nodular melanoma, and the young woman was immediately referred to a specialist for treatment.
She underwent surgery to remove the melanoma, along with a small portion of surrounding tissue to ensure that all of the cancer cells were removed. She also underwent regular check-ups to ensure that the cancer did not reoccur.
The importance of early detection
Nodular melanoma is a very aggressive form of skin cancer, and early detection is key to successful treatment. If left untreated, nodular melanoma can spread to other parts of the body and become very difficult to treat.
That is why it is so important to seek medical attention if you notice any unusual or suspicious bumps or moles on your skin.
It is also important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and hats, when spending time outdoors.
Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Avoid tanning beds, which can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Conclusion
A deceptive pimple turned out to be nodular melanoma for a young woman in her early 20s. Fortunately, she sought medical attention and was able to receive early treatment, which allowed her to fully recover from the cancer.
The importance of early detection cannot be overstated when it comes to skin cancer, particularly nodular melanoma. If you notice any suspicious bumps or moles on your skin, seek medical attention right away.
