When Hang visited Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, the dark spot on her nose measured approximately 5x5 mm. While painless, it caused her discomfort. Doctors diagnosed her with basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

Doctor Do Tuong Huan, from the Breast - Head and Neck Surgery Department, explained that skin cancer on the nose is often overlooked because it's easily mistaken for a benign mole. Hang's growth, located near the corner of her left eye, would have spread and deepened if left untreated, potentially affecting her eye and complicating surgery, increasing the risk of facial disfigurement.

Surgeons removed the affected area and conducted an immediate biopsy, which came back negative, confirming that the margins were clear of cancer cells. The resulting skin defect was reconstructed using a rotational flap technique, covering the wound while maintaining aesthetics. The 30-minute procedure successfully removed the cancerous tissue. Dr. Huan assessed the recurrence rate as low, adding that the patient's left eye and face remain unaffected. Hang was discharged the day after surgery.

Dr. Huan (center) and the surgical team treating Hang for skin cancer. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Huan (center) and the surgical team treating Hang for skin cancer. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Basal cell carcinoma typically progresses slowly and rarely metastasizes. However, if a mole or skin lesion changes, such as rapid growth, darkening, or non-healing sores, prompt medical examination is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.

Skin cancer can occur at any age, with the risk increasing with age, especially after 50. There are three main types: basal cell carcinoma (70-80% of cases), squamous cell carcinoma (20%), and melanoma (malignant moles, about 5%). Melanoma is the most dangerous form, accounting for most skin cancer deaths. Globocan reported 200 new cases of melanoma and 122 deaths from the disease in Vietnam in 2022.

Minh Tam

*The patient's name has been changed.