MSI Press Blog

  The skin is our most visible organ — our boundary with the world, our shield, our mirror. It tells stories of age, weather, emotion, and health. But sometimes, it tells stories we don’t want to hear. Changes in the skin can be among the earliest — or most overlooked — signs of cancer. They whisper before they shout. 1. The skin as a storyteller Every cell of the skin is part of a living conversation with the body. When that conversation changes — through hormones, immune signals, or cellular mutation — the skin responds. Cancer can alter that dialogue in subtle ways: A new mole that changes shape or color A patch that thickens or bleeds A rash that doesn’t heal A yellowing or darkening of tone A texture that feels different under the fingers These are not cosmetic changes. They are messages. 2. Skin cancers themselves The most direct relationship between skin and cancer is, of course, skin cancer itself. Basal cell carcinoma Often appears as a pearly bump or sore that won’...

  May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. That gains attention close to home. I just had stitches removed from skin cancer surgery (last week).  According to my surgeon, skin cancer can take the form of melanoma , basal cell carcinoma , or squamous cell carcinoma . Of the three, melanoma is more dangerous because it spreads easily and quickly. Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma can usually be excised.  Both my late husband and I have experienced squamous cell carcinoma. For him, it appeared like a little horn on his forehead. It was easily excised and left no scar. Mine was more insidious. An "age spot" appeared out of nowhere, then grew, then changed shape, then because pussy, bled, and itched. The Skin Institute did not believe it was cancerous, but I insisted on an early biopsy -- and I was right. When something appears to be very wrong, it usually is very wrong, and the patient is still his or her own best advocate. We were fortunate. With squamous cell carc...