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Is Skin Discolouration On Cheeks Symptom Of Skin Cancer?
Question: have had some kind of skin discoloration at both my cheeks for approximately 4 months now. its not getting better and at first I thought it the cold weather burn. could it be something serious like cancer, that's what my wife thinks coz am a smoker, and what next step should I take. I have no Insurance coverage
Brief Answer:
No worries for a cancer
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
The images are not suggestive of any described skin cancer in the medical literature. I would encourage not to bother at this point about any possibility of a cancer. It is almost impossible.
It is of utmost importance to know if you experience any symptoms like fever, malaise or joint pain. The classical location of the skin lesions is very suggestive of a rheumatologic disease called systemic lupus erythematosus. It is however more common in women compared to men. A complete blood count, an erythrocyte Sedimentation rate, HLA 27 measurement, C3 fragment meausre and Anti Nuclear antibody titires are usually sufficient to make a diagnosis.
An infectious condition or inflammatory reaction could be possibilities. With a visit to your GP, seen under a dermatological lens, it might be very easy to see if it is a fungal infection of a skin inflammatory condition. This will easily orient treatment. Based on an initial assessment and initial response to treatment, the opinion of a dermatologist could be sought.
- I do not think this is a Cancer.
- Creams containing steroids/anti fungal and anti bacterial components could be tried as you await to see your doctor.
- A simple exam under a dermatological lens by your doctor could be sufficient in making a clear difference.
- It is imperative, based on the location of the lesions to proper exclude systemic lupus erythematosus.
Kind regards as I wish you the best of health.
Dr bain
No worries for a cancer
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
The images are not suggestive of any described skin cancer in the medical literature. I would encourage not to bother at this point about any possibility of a cancer. It is almost impossible.
It is of utmost importance to know if you experience any symptoms like fever, malaise or joint pain. The classical location of the skin lesions is very suggestive of a rheumatologic disease called systemic lupus erythematosus. It is however more common in women compared to men. A complete blood count, an erythrocyte Sedimentation rate, HLA 27 measurement, C3 fragment meausre and Anti Nuclear antibody titires are usually sufficient to make a diagnosis.
An infectious condition or inflammatory reaction could be possibilities. With a visit to your GP, seen under a dermatological lens, it might be very easy to see if it is a fungal infection of a skin inflammatory condition. This will easily orient treatment. Based on an initial assessment and initial response to treatment, the opinion of a dermatologist could be sought.
- I do not think this is a Cancer.
- Creams containing steroids/anti fungal and anti bacterial components could be tried as you await to see your doctor.
- A simple exam under a dermatological lens by your doctor could be sufficient in making a clear difference.
- It is imperative, based on the location of the lesions to proper exclude systemic lupus erythematosus.
Kind regards as I wish you the best of health.
Dr bain
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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