I'm a dermatologist - don't ignore this common sign that could mean cancer

I’m a dermatologist – don’t ignore this common sign that could mean cancer

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Mark his words.

Dr. Scott Walter, a board-certified dermatologist in the Denver area, is warning his 1.2 million TikTok followers to be on the lookout for acanthosis nigricans, a common condition characterized by dark, velvety patches in the folds and creases of the face. the body.

“Acanthosis nigricans, or what we call ‘AN,’ is defined by these hyperpigmented velvety plaques on the flexing areas of your skin, like your neck, underarms, or sometimes even your ankles,” Walter said in a TikTok on Tuesday as he pointed out telltale signs of this condition.


Acanthosis nigricans often affects people who are obese, and in rare cases, it can mean cancer.
Acanthosis nigricans often affects people who are obese, and in rare cases, it can mean cancer. Fauzi – stock.adobe.com

“The vast majority of cases where this is diagnosed on the skin, there is an underlying medical condition associated with obesity, such as insulin resistance, diabetes, metabolic syndrome or [polycystic ovary syndrome]”, he explained.

As the obesity epidemic continues to grow in the US, this disorder has become widespread. One study reported that 74% of obese people have acanthosis nigricans.

The condition usually occurs in people under 40 and tends to affect Native Americans and African Americans more than others.

The marks can be found on the back of the neck, armpits or groin and sometimes on the face, chest, elbows, knees and wrists.

“Rarely, in cases where this is found in an older adult who is healthy, fit with no underlying medical condition, it can be determined that there is a growing internal cancer such as gastro cancer. It is rare, but this is a sign,” said Walter.

Malignant acanthosis nigricans is more common in people who are middle-aged or elderly. It can be a sign of pancreatic, ovarian, esophageal, or lung cancer, and less commonly, bladder, renal cell, or prostate cancer.


Treating the underlying disease, such as removing the cancerous tumor, is the key to resolving this condition.
Treating the underlying disease, such as removing the cancerous tumor, is the key to resolving this condition. Dr. Thomas Brinkmeier

Treating the underlying disease, such as removing the cancerous tumor, is the key. If the underlying condition is obesity, symptoms may improve with diet and exercise. If the case is less severe, topical creams may help.

“Regardless of the cause, if you ever experience this on your skin, you should definitely seek medical attention so you can address the underlying health issue,” advised Walter.


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Image Source : nypost.com

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