Causes of Slow, Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding
Find out what can cause bleeding from your period to be slow and prolonged.
“Perhaps the most common cause of this is when the blood has difficulty passing through the cervical canal, due either to obstruction (perhaps a fibroid is in the canal), or to the cervix simply being ‘tight,’” says Wendie Trubow, MD, an OB/GYN with Five Journeys, a membership-based wellness organization that uses functional and integrative medicine for evaluation and treatment.
What can cause a tight cervix?
Dr. Trubow explains that this can be due to not yet having given birth, “or if the woman has had surgery on the cervix to remove abnormal cells and had scarring in the cervix, which makes it harder for the cervix to open to let the blood through.”
Another Cause of Slow, Prolonged Menstruation
“Alternatively, the bleeding could be slow due to inability of the uterus to contract, which can usually be attributed to fibroids,” says Dr. Trubow.
“Lastly, this could be bleeding due to an anovulatory [absent] cycle, so the bleeding is simply occurring in a disorganized fashion.”
Cancer and Vaginal Bleeding
Bleeding in between periods, or vaginal bleeding after menopause, needs to be checked out by a gynecologist because uterine, cervical and vaginal cancer can cause this symptom.
However, if you know the behavior of your period very well, and can recognize that the slow or prolonged bleeding is part of your menstruation, then the chances of this situation being caused by cancer are not likely.
Nevertheless, any kind of bleeding or spotting that is out of the ordinary, that has no confirmed explanation, needs to be evaluated by a doctor.
You should keep a documentation of the nature of your monthly cycles so that you can get acquainted with what your normal is.
Some women do spot before and after four or five days of actual flowing.
Having practiced functional medicine since 2009, Dr. Trubowworks with women to identify causes of their symptoms and then works with them to achieve their greatest health and life balance.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Shutterstock/Evan Lorne
How Common Is a Flesh Colored Melanoma?
Here’s what a dermatologist has to say about frequency of flesh colored melanoma — which can go undetected during your self-exams.
Melanoma can present as flesh colored.
But just how often does this occur?
How common are flesh colored melanomas?
“Amelanotic (flesh colored) melanomas are a rarer type of melanoma,” says Dr. Rebecca Tung, MD, a
“The incidence of amelanotic melanoma is only 2-8 % of all melanomas.
“They often appear as flesh colored to reddish lesions, often on the skin of the trunk, and do not follow the usual ABCD rules (asymmetry, border irregularity, color changes, diameter of 6mm or larger or growing in size) of melanoma detection.”
Sometimes, this flesh or pinkish/red colored melanoma can pass as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
A basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer in the world. This easily curable tumor grows very slowly and very rarely spreads beyond locally.
Squamous cell carcinoma can spread, but it’s nowhere near as deadly as melanoma.
Both of these skin cancers are strongly linked to exposure to the sun.
Alarmingly, the amelanotic melanoma can also pass as a common pimple or blemish.
“Patients often initially mistake this type of melanoma as scars or pink moles,” continues Dr. Tung.
“Even under a special magnifying device called a dermatoscope, the features which usually signal cancer are often absent.
“For these reasons, diagnosis is frequently delayed.”
If you don’t have a good feeling about a new spot and especially “pimple” on your skin, you should have it removed.
“Suspicious lesions should be biopsied to confirm the diagnosis,” says Dr. Tung.
“Treatment is surgical with wide local excision.
“If the lesion extends deeply into the skin, lymph nodes may also need to be sampled (a procedure called sentinel lymph node biopsy) to determine if they do or do not contain melanoma.”
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Dr. Tung’s
specialties include general dermatology with skin cancer surveillance, moles, melanoma, surgery (Mohs micrographic, laser, skin cancer reconstruction) and cosmetic dermatology.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
Causes of White Peeling Skin Inside Lip Include Cancer
A dermatologist names cancer as a possible cause of white peeling skin inside the lip.
In addition to having just brushed one’s teeth, which can cause cells inside the lip to slough off, other conditions can cause the inside of the lip to develop a white, peeling reaction.
“Lichen planus (LP) is a condition that can affect the mucus membranes of the mouth,” says Dr. Rebecca Tung, MD, a
“It often looks lacy in a lattice pattern. While most cases occur on their own as a result of a body’s altered immune response, other cases can be the result of sensitivity or allergy to metal in dental work, or even a skin finding of an infectious viral hepatitis (inflammation of the liver; hepatitis C).”
Cancer As Cause of White Peeling Inside the Lip
“A more serious white patch on the inside of the bottom lip could be skin cancer — specifically squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or its precancerous state (leukoplakia),” says Dr. Tung.
“Smokers, tobacco chewers and heavy drinkers are at increased risk for SCC.
“A biopsy of the lesion can confirm the diagnosis and direct treatment.”
In fair skinned people, squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer, after basal cell carcinoma.
SCC is highly curable when caught early, but it kills thousands of Americans every year.
Dr. Tung’s specialties include general dermatology with skin cancer surveillance, moles, melanoma, surgery (Mohs micrographic, laser, skin cancer reconstruction) and cosmetic dermatology.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Shutterstock/Image Point Fr
Causes of Itchy, Flaky Skin on Your Face
Are you worried that cancer could be causing that unexplained itching and flaking on your face?
The causes of itchy, flaky facial skin are many.
Eczema. “Scaling on the face can be as simple as eczema (atopic dermatitis)—this occurs in children and adults when the barrier function of the skin is altered and the skin is hypersensitive,” says Dr. Rebecca Tung, MD, a
“Oftentimes it is very itchy and may even become infected in patients who aggressively scratch their skin.
“Minimizing the itch-scratch cycle is the cornerstone of treatment — oral antihistamines, topical or oral steroids, and topical medicines that reduce the hyperactive immune response.”
Contact dermatitis. “A specific type of dermatitis called contact dermatitis can cause similar symptoms,” says Dr. Tung.
“However, the culprit is some product or ingredient that is applied to the skin such as a fragrance in a facial cream, preservative in lotion, or even a particular antibacterial agent like neomycin in an over-the-counter wound healing ointment.”
Dr. Tung has even seen flaking on the skin from applying body glitter, which contains nickel, the allergen.
“Even some types of chemical sunscreens can bring on scaly, red, itchy patches on the face. Finding the cause is critical to cure.
“This is accomplished with specialized allergy testing (patch testing)—no needles involved under the guidance of a dermatologist.”
Seborrheic dermatitis. Dr. Tung explains, “Other times infection with a specific type of yeast (Malassezia species) can bring on a case of facial redness and scaling, particularly around the eyebrows, nose and ears as well as is the scalp (dandruff).
“Treatment is successful when the yeast are killed (anti-fungals—topical or oral) and inflammation is minimized (topical steroid).
Others causes of itchy, flaking skin on the face.
“Sometimes if the redness and scaling is accompanied by sun sensitivity—facial redness can signify an autoimmune condition like lupus or dermatomyositis.
“Your dermatologist may order blood tests or perform a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.”
Dr. Tung’s specialties include general dermatology with skin cancer surveillance, moles, melanoma, surgery (Mohs micrographic, laser, skin cancer reconstruction) and cosmetic dermatology.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: ©Lorra Garrick
Causes of Anal Lumps Include Cancer
A dermatologist says there are several causes of anal lumps, and one is cancer.
Most causes of anal lumps are not related to cancer, but cancer can be a cause.
“Lesions around the anus can be as harmless as hemorrhoids (except of course if these hemorrhoids are painful or bleeding—this requires surgical treatment with a colorectal surgeon),” says Dr. Rebecca Tung, MD, a
Skin tags can be another cause of anal lumps, though they won’t really look like true lumps, but they may feel like them against your fingertips. Skin tags are collections of extra tissue.
Other Benign Causes of Anal Lumps
Dr. Tung adds that a skin infection that causes genital warts can be a culprit.
Cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that can cause anal lumps, says Dr. Tung.
“Fortunately, appearances of each of these conditions are fairly specific, so a skin biopsy is only needed when the look is not typical.
“Skin tags can be numbed with a topical anesthetic and then snipped and cauterized.
“Skin cancers require surgical and possibly additional medical treatment.
“Warts can be treated with freezing (cryotherapy—liquid nitrogen application ), topical medicine application or other minimally invasive procedures like spot chemical peeling, electrical cautery or laser surgery.”
Dr. Tung’s specialties include general dermatology with skin cancer surveillance, moles, melanoma, surgery (Mohs micrographic, laser, skin cancer reconstruction) and cosmetic dermatology.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Freepik
Can White Pimples on Penis Be Caused by Cancer?
A dermatologist names some causes of white bumps or pimple-like growths on the penis.
White pimples, bumps or small growths can appear on one’s penis; what are some causes?
“The most benign condition that causes flesh colored lesions on the penis is called pearly penile papules—not precancerous or caused by infection—just benign non-cancerous growths that can form a ring around the shaft,” says a
“Other flesh colored lesions could be genital warts (condyloma). Since they are caused by a virus, early treatment is a good idea to get rid of current lesions and prevent spread of new lesions.
“Other white bumps on the penis can be simple cysts (called milia)—harmless and do not require treatment unless bothersome.”
It is extremely unlikely that a white “pimple” or “bump” on the penis can be skin cancer or any kind of cancer.
Dr. Tung’s specialties include general dermatology with skin cancer surveillance, moles, melanoma, surgery (Mohs micrographic, laser, skin cancer reconstruction) and cosmetic dermatology.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Shutterstock/sheff
Can a Red Spot on the Lip Be Cancer?
A dermatologist lists many causes of a red spot the lip; find out if cancer is one.
What can cause a red spot on the lip?
Can cancer be a cause?
Rebecca Tung, MD, explains that often, a red spot(s) on one’s lip can be “small collections of blood vessels going by names such as telangiectasia, angioma or venous lake.”
These are benign and can also appear elsewhere on the body.
“Most often there is no particular cause and can be easily treated with a vascular laser,” continues Dr. Tung, a
More Serious Causes of a Red Spot on the Lip
“However, if there are sprays of blood vessels (broken capillaries) on the lips and face/body — this may signal a more serious condition called hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia,” says Dr. Tung.
“Affected people are at risk for nosebleeds, acute bleeding in the gut and other internal organs.
“Treatments circles around reducing bleeding from blood vessel lesions.
“Another condition where you can see widespread vascular lesions and thickening of the skin is called scleroderma.
“A particular type of this autoimmune disease is called CREST syndrome—calcinosis (calcium deposits in the skin).”
If you have scleroderma, you’ll have other symptoms far more troubling than a red spot on your lip.
Another condition that can cause red spots on the lip is Raynaud’s syndrome, a vascular disease that affects the legs and other parts of the body.
Dr. Tung names more conditions: “Esophageal dysmotility (cannot swallow properly), sclerodactyly (finger skin becomes abnormally thickened and easily forms ulcers—very painful).
“Fortunately, medicines which adjust the body’s immune response are often helpful.”
As you can see, cancer did not make the list of conditions that can cause a red spot to appear on the lip.
However, if you’re still concerned, ask a dermatologist to inspect it with a dermatoscope, a handheld lighted lens.
Dr. Tung’s specialties include general dermatology with skin cancer surveillance, moles, melanoma, surgery (Mohs micrographic, laser, skin cancer reconstruction) and cosmetic dermatology.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
Top image: Shutterstock/wavebreakmedia
Can Cancer Cause Red Patches on the Tongue?
Find out if cancer can cause the tongue to develop red patches.
Have you noticed red patches on your tongue and are afraid it might be cancer?
Well, here is some very reassuring news for you…
The most likely cause of red patches on the tongue is a condition called geographic tongue.
What on earth is geographic tongue?
“Geographic tongue describes an inflammatory condition of the tongue that manifests as discolored taste buds,” explains Dr. Rebecca Tung, MD, a
This condition has nothing to do with cancer and will not increase the risk for cancer.
“The red patches are often bordered by white rims—burning and stinging can also be present,” continues Dr. Tung.
The condition looks and feels bad, but is actually benign.
What are the causes and risk factors?
Dr. Tung explains, “Common causes include certain foods, mouth preparations like mouthwash. Also, people with a past history of allergies, hay fever, asthma may have geographic tongue.
“Other risk factors are juvenile diabetes, hormonal shifts in a woman’s cycle or pregnancy or nutritional deficiencies (like having a low level folate or B12 in your body).
“Even patients with the skin disease psoriasis (scaly areas on the forearms near the elbows and knees) also have a high incidence of geographic tongue.”
If you tend to have anxiety over cancer of the tongue (perhaps you’re a tobacco user or for whatever reason have fixated on this body part), this would be one more reason to see your dentist on a regular basis.
Many dentists will do a thorough oral cancer screening as part of the routine exam.
They may charge an extra fee for it, but the fee isn’t that much, and it’s well worth it for patients with tongue and mouth cancer anxiety.
Dr. Tung’s specialties include general dermatology with skin cancer surveillance, moles, melanoma, surgery (Mohs micrographic, laser, skin cancer reconstruction) and cosmetic dermatology.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Shutterstock/antoniodiaz
13 Causes of Burning Lips Explained by Dermatologist
There’s tons of causes of burning lips, and one of them is a pre-cancerous change.
“Burning lips or its cousin burning mouth syndrome can result from a number of causes,” says Dr. Rebecca Tung, MD, a
“Many times it can signal underlying medical conditions such as autoimmune disease (a condition called Sjogren’s disease which can also cause dry eyes); endocrine disorder like diabetes, thyroid disease or menopause; drug reaction; neurologic condition (the nerves that service the mouth are altered); sun damage or precancerous change; infection (a condition called perleche — where the most common culprit is yeast — these patients often get cracking of the skin at the corners of the mouth.”
More Causes of Burning Lips
“Another infection that can affect the lips and cause pain are cold sores or herpes,” says Dr. Tung.
The herpes virus causes cold sores. Cold sores often begin with a tingling sensation in the area where the sore will start forming.
But the tingling may then turn into a burning feeling once the sore is visibly obvious.
If there’s a lingering pink mark where the sore had been after it had scabbed up and fallen off, this is nothing to worry about.
The pink mark may remain for two weeks, but in uncommon cases, it could linger for many weeks — again, this is harmless.
Dr. Tung continues, “Stress, sunlight and even medical or dental procedures around the mouth can bring on an attack of the herpes virus.” So can the common cold.
Many more causes of a burning sensation of the lips are possible, such as poorly fitting dentures, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies,” says Dr. Tung.
These can especially refer to B vitamins, zinc and iron.
“Some patients with burning lips may have allergies to topical products (lipsticks, metal or toothpaste or whitener ingredients). In other patients, the exact cause may not be clear.”
If your lips are burning, see a dermatologist to get a thorough physical exam — of not just your mouth but of all of your skin. This is important, says Dr. Tung.
“Sometimes a patient may have lesions on the mouth, eyes and genital areas as well as on the skin of the body, which can point to a severe but treatable condition which produces fragile blisters and ulcerations called pemphigus.
“Sometimes the dermatologist may take a sample (biopsy) of the affected skin on the lips or order blood work to find the correct diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
“Depending on the cause, a course of therapy can be started which can help heal the skin and minimize pain.”
Dr. Tung’s specialties include general dermatology with skin cancer surveillance, moles, melanoma, surgery (Mohs micrographic, laser, skin cancer reconstruction) and cosmetic dermatology.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Shutterstock/Sergey Golenko
Why Is Melanoma Survival Rate Higher for Stage 0 vs. Stage 1?
What’s different in the stage 0 melanoma patient than the stage 1 patient such that 10-year survival rate is higher?
The earlier that melanoma is caught (or staged), the higher the survival rate when projected 5-10 years out.
So for stage 0 melanoma, the 10-year survival rate is about 99 percent.
For stage 1A melanoma the 10-year survival rate is 95 percent; for stage 1B it’s 86 percent.
What’s going on here? All of these tumors are “thin” and not penetrated into the dermis layer of the skin.
“My own sense of this is as follows,” begins Judith Hellman, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Mt. Sinai Hospital, NY, who has a private practice in Manhattan.
‘When a melanoma is treated, we follow guidelines in the treatment, and excise some extra skin around the melanoma according to the stage it is.”
That extra-excised skin is normal, as a precaution that in case any tumor cells have strayed, they too get removed.
“In theory, this should be a good measure to know that there will be no mets [spread],” continues Dr. Hellman.
“However, sometimes random melanoma cells can escape the confines of a lesion and the margins of a surgical excision.”
This is more likely to be the case with a deeper (though still confined) tumor. Stage 0 isn’t as deep as stage 1A isn’t as deep as stage 1B, and so on.
Melanoma stages. Cancer Research UK
“These cells can certainly survive, multiply and find their way to other parts of the body,” says Dr. Hellman.
“Nothing in nature is 100%, so there can always be some undetected cells that can make their own way and grow at a different site.
“I think this is pretty rare in an in situ lesion [the most superficial form of melanoma] or one that hasn’t penetrated very deep.
“It’s also possible that a second, unrelated primary melanoma pops up at some other place.
“We know that anyone with a primary skin cancer is more likely to develop more of the same or other type of skin cancer.
“So I think, ultimately, some cells fly under the radar of the immune system, which polices irregular cells in the body, and manage to develop into a lesion.”
Some cancer cells evade the immune system by mimicking normal cells or producing signals that suppress immune responses.
Additionally, the tumor microenvironment can become immunosuppressive, further shielding cancer from detection.
These strategies allow cancer such as melanoma to grow undetected, complicating treatment and requiring targeted immunotherapies to overcome.
