Cases of patients unexpectedly receiving skin cancer diagnoses after visiting dermatology clinics for cosmetic procedures are increasing. Experts are raising concerns that small moles, easily overlooked due to the absence of noticeable symptoms, may be early signs of skin cancer.
EBS's "Myungui" (Master Doctors) recently aired an episode titled "The Fear of Skin Cancer," focusing on how to distinguish between moles and skin cancer. A woman in her 40s featured on the program had a mole on her nose removed with a laser, but the area later swelled again and began oozing, prompting a re-examination. The diagnosis was basal cell carcinoma.
Dermatologists warn that "performing laser procedures without first confirming whether a lesion is cancerous can blur the tumor's boundaries, allowing cancer cells to penetrate muscle and nerve tissue." When a new mole suddenly appears or an existing mole changes in shape, color, or size, patients should receive a differential diagnosis from a dermatology specialist before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.
Treatment standards are also becoming more precise. A man in his 70s who faced toe amputation due to melanoma was able to undergo surgery that removed only the lesion after his tumor thickness was measured at 0.7mm. Dermatology professor Oh Byung-ho's research team presented clinical evidence showing that when cancer cell thickness is 0.8mm or less, complete recovery is possible with minimal excision alone. A difference of just 0.1mm can determine the entire course of treatment.
Skin cancer is closely linked to lifestyle. World-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay publicly revealed that he had undergone surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma, emphasizing the importance of sun protection. In Korea, the program featured a man in his 50s who received the same diagnosis after working outdoors for nearly 30 years without ever using sunscreen.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, considered the key cause of skin cancer, remains strong even in spring, requiring particular caution. UVA rays, with their long wavelengths, penetrate deep into the skin and can cause mutations in cellular DNA.
Experts recommend applying sunscreen daily and reapplying it every two hours. When going outdoors during peak UV hours, physically covering the skin with hats, parasols, and sunglasses is helpful. To detect skin changes early, making regular dermatology checkups a habit is the most effective preventive measure.
