Woman Misidentifies Skin Cancer as Acne: A Cautionary Tale
In a shocking turn of events, a woman named Molly recently shared her experience on TikTok of mistaking her skin cancer for acne. Molly, who goes by HR_Molly on social media, had basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, nine times in various parts of her body including her face, back, legs, and stomach.
At first, Molly believed that the blemishes on her skin were just acne or bug bites. However, when one of the spots on her leg did not go away, she began to suspect something more serious. She expressed her concerns in a series of TikTok videos that garnered over one million views.
Despite initially being reassured by a dermatologist that she had nothing to worry about, Molly persisted in seeking answers when a blemish on her lip persisted. It was at this point that the dermatologist diagnosed her with skin cancer. Molly admitted that she was not mentally prepared for the shock and the subsequent process of biopsies.
Since her initial diagnosis, Molly has undergone several procedures to remove the basal cell carcinoma from different parts of her body. She stresses the importance of not skipping regular visits to the dermatologist, regardless of skin tone or level of sun exposure. Molly wants others to understand that skin cancer can affect anyone, irrespective of complexion or family history.
Although Molly did not have extensive sun exposure, she believes that her genetic predisposition, as a combination of German, Irish, and Native American ancestry, played a role. It is worth noting that skin cancer is most commonly associated with white skin. However, a study by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology revealed higher skin cancer rates among American Indians and Alaskan Natives compared to other minority groups.
According to Molly, “Your genetics load the weapon, and your environment pulls the trigger.” Skin cancer affects approximately 5.4 million individuals in the US each year, resulting in 9,500 deaths. Basal cell carcinoma, the specific type of skin cancer Molly has, is the most common form of cancer in the country, with 3.6 million cases annually.
The symptoms of basal cell carcinoma can manifest in various ways. In Molly’s case, they appeared as acne or bug bites. However, the cancer can also present as transparent bumps, brown or black lesions, scaly patches, or scar-like lesions.
While Molly’s ordeal is undoubtedly distressing, there may be hope on the horizon. Moderna’s melanoma shot, in combination with Keytruda, an immunotherapy drug made by Merck, has shown promise in reducing the risk of recurrence or death from skin cancer by 44 percent. This treatment is currently awaiting approval from the FDA.
To address her recurrent skin cancer and reduce scarring, Molly undergoes microneedling, laser treatment, facials, and Botox. She is vigilant about avoiding peak UV times and regularly wears sunscreen when outside.
In conclusion, Molly’s journey serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of being proactive about our health and seeking professional medical advice when in doubt. Skin cancer can manifest in unexpected ways, and early detection is crucial for successful treatment and recovery.