Stage 3 Cancer: Definition, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prognosis
Richard Simmons Opens Up About Skin Cancer Diagnosis; All About Basal Cell Carcinoma
Renowned fitness guru Richard Simmons recently made a deeply personal revelation that resonated with his legion of followers. In a poignant and candid post on Facebook, the 75-year-old icon shared his journey of confronting skin cancer, shedding light on the importance of vigilance, early detection, and sun safety practices.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Richard Simmons disclosed his battle with basal cell carcinoma after discovering a suspicious bump under his right eye. His experience underscores the importance of early detection and prompt medical attention for skin abnormalities.
Understanding Basal Cell CarcinomaAs per Dr. Ashok Vaid, Chairman of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Medanta, basal cell carcinoma is the most prevalent form of skin cancer, originating in the basal cells of the skin responsible for producing new skin cells. Typically appearing as a translucent bump on sun-exposed areas like the head and neck, basal cell carcinoma may manifest in various forms, including lesions, patches, or scar-like growths.
Symptoms and PresentationRecognizing the signs of basal cell carcinoma is crucial for early intervention. Symptoms may include shiny, skin-coloured bumps with visible blood vessels, brown or blue lesions with raised borders, flat scaly patches, or waxy, scar-like growths. Any unusual skin changes should prompt a thorough examination by a healthcare professional.
Also Read: Sadhguru Undergoes Surgery For Chronic Brain Bleed; Everything To Know About It
Causes and Risk Factors: Peering into the AbyssUnderstanding the aetiology and predisposing factors of basal cell carcinoma provides invaluable insights into prevention and mitigation strategies. While prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation remains a chief culprit, other contributing elements include:
While basal cell carcinoma is often amenable to treatment, it harbours potential complications if overlooked or neglected. These include recurrence, increased vulnerability to secondary malignancies, and in rare instances, metastasis. However, a proactive stance can significantly diminish the likelihood of adverse outcomes:
Prevention remains the cornerstone of managing basal cell carcinoma risk. Simple measures like avoiding midday sun exposure, wearing sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF), donning protective clothing, and steering clear of tanning beds can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing skin cancer. Regular skin self-examinations and prompt reporting of any suspicious changes to a healthcare provider are vital for early detection and treatment.
BottomlineIn conclusion, Richard Simmons' openness about his basal cell carcinoma diagnosis serves as a reminder of the importance of skin cancer awareness and proactive skin health measures. By understanding the signs, causes, risk factors, and prevention strategies associated with basal cell carcinoma, individuals can take proactive steps to safeguard their skin and overall well-being.
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Living Beyond Basal Cell Carcinoma
At Memorial Sloan Kettering, we know that even after you've finished your cancer treatments, you may still need our help. We're committed to supporting you in every way we can — physically, emotionally, spiritually, and otherwise — for as long as you need us.
We've built a program designed for cancer survivors and their families. Our Adult Survivorship Program has many services for you and your loved ones, including support groups, follow-up programs, educational resources, and more.
Plus, our Resources for Life After Cancer program offers individual and family counseling, lectures and support groups, and practical guidance on employment and insurance issues, among other services. Visit the Adult Survivorship Program to learn more.
Counseling and SupportSometimes, you and your loved ones just need someone to talk to, someone who's trained to help you make sense of your experience before, during, and after treatment for cancer.
Our Counseling Center offers both individual and group counseling sessions to help you and your family cope with your disease. These sessions can be a healthy, productive way to work through the stress and anxiety that are sometimes a part of treatment and recovery.
Learn more about how we can support your emotional well-being.
Integrative MedicineMedical treatments are often the best way to treat your cancer. Their whole purpose is to get you healthy again. But at MSK, we know that complementary services can also help soothe and heal not only your body but also your mind and spirit.
Our Integrative Medicine Service can be a valuable part of your overall treatment plan. Programs we offer include massage, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, meditation, visualization, music therapy, and nutritional counseling. Formal classes include yoga, tai chi, and chair aerobics.
Learn more about the variety of complementary services we offer.
Older PatientsCancer and its treatment are a challenge for anyone, regardless of age. But if you're over 65, you may face unique issues that only affect people in your age group. We're committed to providing cancer patients of all ages with the treatment, facilities, and support they need.
Your treatment team will include healthcare professionals who have the specialized training and experience to effectively treat older patients. Every aspect of your care — diagnosis, treatment, recovery, support — will be tailored to meet your particular needs.
Learn more about how we care for older patients.
Supportive Care and Pain ManagementAt Memorial Sloan Kettering, we focus on all aspects of comprehensive cancer care, not just treating the disease. Our specialists in supportive care can help you cope with the side effects of therapy. These include pain, nausea, and fatigue. We can also help with the emotional and spiritual needs that often come up during and after cancer treatment.
Learn more about how our Supportive Care Service can help you throughout the cancer experience.
If you are in pain during your treatments or even after they're over, we have pain specialists who can help. We will build a plan that makes sense for you and your needs. Our experts can work with your doctor and pharmacists to give you solutions for both acute physical pain, which comes on suddenly, as well as chronic pain, which can linger. Our goal is to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Learn more about how we can relieve your pain.
Skin Cancer Symptoms Richard Simmons Noticed Before His Diagnosis
Fitness guru and cultural icon Richard Simmons revealed that he was recently diagnosed with skin cancer, specifically basal cell carcinoma.
Through a series of social media posts, he has documented his cancer journey so far. He is encouraging anyone with any unusual spots or blemishes on their body to see their doctor right away.
According to a social media post by Simmons, he initially identified a "strange-looking bump" under his right eye while looking in the mirror. After several days of attempting to treat the bump with an antibiotic ointment, he decided to see his doctor.
His doctor then performed a skin biopsy, which is when part of the skin is removed and tested for cancer. Simmons' medical team determined that the spot under his eye was basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is typically found on areas of the body with the most sun exposure, such as the face, ears, neck, arms, and backs of the hands.
Although common, it is also highly treatable. Basal cell carcinoma is frequently an "indolent" cancer, meaning that it grows very slowly and has a low chance of metastasizing, spreading to other areas of the body through the blood or lymph system.
Simmons received treatment soon after the biopsy, requiring three sessions to remove all of the cancer cells. It's unclear from the post what specific kind of treatment Simmons received. He described the treatment as having his face "burned," which could refer to one of several removal techniques for basal cell carcinoma, such as surgical removal, laser surgery, cryotherapy, and chemical peeling.
The treatment appears to have been a success, and Simmons is now encouraging people everywhere to pay attention to their skin and get checked out.
"I know some of you reading this have had cancer or have known someone in your life who has had cancer. Promise me you will see your doctor and get a complete checkup," Simmons wrote.
Basal cell carcinoma can take on a variety of appearances but is most often found on areas of the body that get a lot of sun.
"His story is very common," Dr. Anna S. Clayton, MD, an Associate Professor of Dermatology at Vanderbilt University, told Healthline.
"It's the most common type of skin cancer and the most common place to get it is on the face. The most common place on the face is on the nose. It's very much sun associated, although there are basal cell carcinomas that appear in places that you wouldn't normally think," she said.
In terms of visual appearance, basal cell carcinoma can range from a small bump, to more scar-like in appearance. Its color can also vary.
"It's very common to see a pink or red shiny bump on the skin. Sometimes it can be scaly in darker skin types. It could also be purple or brown. So, it can have a variety of different appearances, but in general, the color spectrum will be from white to kind of a purple-ish brown," said Dr. Silvina Pugliese, MD, a Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at Stanford Medicine.
Importantly, basal cell carcinoma may not have identifiable symptoms such as pain or discomfort, irritation, or bleeding. In some cases, it may appear as a sore that bleeds or weeps, though this isn't always the case.
"We usually tell patients that if they have a pimple or a sore that doesn't go away in a few months, or if it goes away and comes back, or if it's getting bigger, that's a reason to see your dermatologist," said Clayton.
There are several forms of skin cancer, but basal cell carcinoma is the most common. Other varieties include squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
"Basal cell carcinoma is a cancer of the cells at the bottom of the epidermis (the 'basal' layer) – these cells are responsible for replacing the dead cells that slough off regularly during washing, scratching, etc.," Dr. Christina Annunziata, MD, PhD, the Senior Vice President of Extramural Discovery Science at the American Cancer Society, told Healthline.
Squamous cell carcinoma, on the other hand, affects the squamous cell layer, which is located above the basal layer, in the thickest part of the epidermis.
Melanoma starts in the third major cell type of the epidermis, known as melanocytes. Melanocytes are responsible for making the skin pigment melanin, which gives skin its brown color and helps prevent damage to the skin from the sun.
Both squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are less common than basal cell carcinoma.
Surgical removal of basal and squamous cell skin cancers is common. However, the specific surgery can differ from patient to patient.
Nonsurgical treatment options for basal cell carcinoma include topical chemotherapy (creams that can be applied directly to the skin); chemical peeling, in which an acid is applied directly to the skin, causing the skin cells to peel away; laser surgery, which is used to burn away the top layer of the skin; cryotherapy, which freezes and kills skin cells; and immune response modifiers, drugs that boost the body's immune response against cancer cells.
Basal cell carcinoma is associated with sun exposure, so the best prevention is limiting time in the sun and using sunscreen when outdoors.
"Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Watch the sun protection," said Clayton.
Annunziata also adds that clothing is an essential part of sun protection.
Clothing will only protect what it can cover, so long-sleeved shirts and pants offer the most protection. Dark colors also provide more sun protection than light ones. Other items to consider include UV-protection sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and shoes.
For sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) formulation that is SPF 30 or higher and water resistant.
Just as important to prevention is regular screening and seeing a doctor if anything seems out of the ordinary. At-home skin self-exams and screenings are easy to do with two mirrors and can give you and your doctor insight into any noticeable changes in your skin.
Always talk with your doctor if anything seems abnormal, new, or getting larger.
"Hopefully this leads people to be aware that they should just be doing a little screen of spots on their skin on a somewhat regular basis. If anything seems suspicious, they don't have to be skin experts. They can always call their doctor and have these spots evaluated. That's what we do in dermatology," said Pugliese.
Richard Simmons was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer.
He is encouraging everyone to speak with their doctor if they notice any changes to their skin, particularly bumps, and blemishes that do not heal or go away.
Basal cell carcinoma is highly treatable through a variety of means, including surgical removal, laser therapy, and topical chemotherapy.
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