Comedian Katherine Ryan Publicly Discusses Skin Cancer Diagnosis
Entertainer Katherine Ryan recently disclosed her diagnosis of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, after medical professionals initially dismissed her concerns.
This marks her second encounter with the illness, having previously undergone treatment for a cancerous mole on her leg at age 21.
In a recent episode of her podcast, “Telling Everyone Everything,” the 41-year-old shared that she sought medical advice upon noticing an unusual mole on her arm.
Despite initial reassurance from a physician that the mole appeared normal, Ryan insisted on a biopsy. This led to a diagnosis of early-stage melanoma via phone consultation.
Ryan also recounted consulting a private physician who, after a brief examination, also deemed the mole non-cancerous, highlighting the importance of persistent self-advocacy in healthcare.
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“It’s astonishing to consider the potential consequences had I not been assertive and pursued further investigation,” she expressed to her listeners. “Had I accepted the initial, reassuring assessment, the melanoma could have progressed and spread significantly.”
Melanoma, while accounting for a small percentage of skin cancer diagnoses, is a leading cause of skin cancer-related deaths, emphasizing the need for early detection and vigilance.
Katherine Ryan, 41, reveals second cancer diagnosis following initial misdiagnosis.
Ryan previously diagnosed with Stage 2 cancer in 2004.
Early detection of skin cancer crucial for successful treatment and prevention of spread, experts emphasize.
Medical experts emphasize that melanoma is highly treatable when detected early and strongly advise individuals to monitor their skin for any suspicious changes.
Incidence rates of skin cancer, often linked to excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or tanning beds, have risen significantly in recent years.
Dermatologists highlight key early warning signs of skin cancer to aid in self-protection and prompt medical consultation.
Skin Cancer Warning Signs: What to Look For
The ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection
Dermatologists employ the ABCDE criteria as a guide in melanoma diagnosis: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter, and Evolution.
Melanomas, the most aggressive form of skin cancer with a high potential for metastasis, frequently manifest as moles exhibiting uneven characteristics, distinct from benign moles which are typically uniform and symmetrical.
Dr. Nayoung Lee, a dermatologist at NYU Langone Health, explains, “A mole that cannot be folded in half symmetrically, where the edges do not align, may warrant suspicion for melanoma.” Irregular borders, denoted by ‘B’ in the ABCDEs, are also indicative of potential melanoma. Normal moles typically present with smooth, well-defined borders.
The Skin Cancer Foundation advocates for monitoring “ugly duckling” moles – moles that appear distinctly different from other moles on the body. This strategy leverages the principle that normal moles tend to resemble each other, while melanomas often stand out in contrast.
Uneven Mole Coloration
Variations in color, ‘C’ in the ABCDEs, are significant indicators of potentially dangerous melanoma. Benign moles typically exhibit a uniform color, ranging from shades of brown and tan to pink tones.
While some moles may transition into cancerous growths with gradual color changes, it’s estimated that a significant portion of melanomas arise in previously normal moles. Conversely, a substantial percentage develop on seemingly healthy skin.
Suspicious moles frequently display a mixture of colors including brown, black, tan, and sometimes pink, red, or purple. Color variegation tends to increase as the cancer progresses, highlighting the importance of prompt intervention. Early detection and treatment of melanoma yields high survival rates, with 99 percent of patients surviving five years or more post-diagnosis.
Dr. Zaineb Makhzoumi, a dermatologist at the University of Maryland specializing in surgical removal of cancerous moles, advises, “The presence of multiple colors within a single mole should serve as a warning sign, prompting evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist.”
Mole Diameter
Size is a crucial consideration for identifying suspicious moles. Melanomas often present as larger than typical moles, generally exceeding six millimeters in diameter, roughly the size of a pea or pencil eraser.
Dr. Makhzoumi clarifies, “While a mole larger than a pencil eraser doesn’t automatically indicate malignancy, when coupled with other concerning signs, it necessitates dermatological assessment.”
It is important to note that not all melanomas adhere to the ‘D’ criterion of the ABCDEs, as some can be smaller than six millimeters. A case study from Australia in 2013 documented an invasive melanoma measuring only 1.6 mm, which, although small and not asymmetrical, was darker than surrounding moles.
The ‘E’ in ABCDEs signifies Evolution, highlighting the importance of observing mole changes over time. While moles may naturally evolve, typically shrinking or disappearing, moles that grow, darken, or become raised should be promptly evaluated for melanoma. Melanoma progression involves an initial horizontal phase, followed by a more dangerous vertical growth phase where the lesion can metastasize and become life-threatening.
Dr. Makhzoumi emphasizes that the vertical growth phase of melanoma is characterized by rapid acceleration, making the development of any lump on a mole a highly concerning sign warranting immediate medical attention.
Additional Skin Cancer Signs
Bleeding or Scaly Patches
These often manifest on sun-exposed areas like the face and scalp. Actinic keratosis, a precancerous condition linked to squamous cell carcinoma, presents as rough, scaly patches that may bleed or become ulcerated.
Dr. Lee notes that these patches are often more palpable than visible, feeling scaly to the touch. Individuals with a history of significant sun exposure are at higher risk for this type of skin cancer. Severe sunburns increase the risk of squamous cell carcinoma. Fair-skinned individuals and those with light eyes are also more susceptible.
Squamous cell carcinoma is often curable when detected and treated early, with high survival rates. Sores that bleed may also indicate basal cell carcinoma, another highly survivable non-melanoma skin cancer. However, prompt treatment is essential for basal cell carcinoma to prevent potential complications.
Dr. Lee explains that untreated basal cell carcinomas can invade deeper tissues, including muscle and bone, emphasizing the potential for significant issues if left unaddressed. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer type overall, with millions of new cases diagnosed annually. Notably, basal cell carcinomas generally have excellent survival rates even without formal staging.
Dark Patches on Genitals
Melanoma can also present as dark lesions on mucous membranes, such as those found inside the nose, mouth, vagina, anus, fingers, and toes. This rare and aggressive subtype, mucosal melanoma, constitutes a small fraction of all melanoma cases and is not linked to sun exposure. A significant portion of mucosal melanomas occur in the head and neck region, potentially associated with smoking, ill-fitting dentures, or carcinogen exposure. The remaining cases often arise in the anal-rectal area or female genitalia.
Early mucosal melanoma may appear as a whitish bump or ridge, evolving into an ulcer or fungal-like growth as it progresses. While the exact causes of mucosal melanoma and non-melanoma cancers remain under investigation, some research suggests a possible link to HPV. While high-risk HPV strains are associated with cervical cancer, lower-risk strains may be implicated in non-UV-related skin cancers in mucosal areas. Doctors emphasize that these genital cancers are not sexually transmitted infections.
Waxy, Pearly Bumps
Basal cell carcinoma, frequently found on sun-exposed areas like hands, neck, arms, and legs, often presents as a waxy lump, smooth, shiny growth, or a flat scar-like lesion. Dr. Makhzoumi highlights a key diagnostic feature of basal cell carcinoma: a pearly or opalescent appearance when the edges are stretched, aiding in its identification.