To her dismay, a simple nail salon visit led a California woman to get a rare form of nail cancer. This was after she got a cut during her manicure session.
Small Manicure Cut and Cancer Diagnosis
According to News.com.au, Grace Garcia simply tried out a different salon when her usual go-to place was fully booked in November 2021. However, during the manicure session, the nail technician accidentally had a cuticle nick on Garcia's finger, which led the wound to minimally bleed.
Garcia expressed how the cut was not a typical cut in the cuticle. She notes how the cut was quite deep and that it had upset her since it was among the first times that such an event happened.
People reports that Garcia could not remember if the technician made use of new equipment. The wound, however, did not heal even after three days had passed.
Over the following months, Garcia had various doctor visits. One of these sessions led to an antibiotic prescription that did not help her. Later on, Garcia's gynecologist referred the California-based woman to a dermatologist in April 2022.
Garcia finally got her answer through this dermatology visit. Dr. Teo Soleymani, from UCLA Health, then issued the skin cancer diagnosis.
HPV Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Today reports that Dr. Soleymani found out that Garcia's case was that of squamous cell carcinoma. While this common skin cancer is comparatively less aggressive compared to melanoma, the cause of Garcia's cancer, which was HPV, was quite rare.
Dr. Soleymani notes that the condition is rare for various reasons. In a general perspective and from the standpoint of HPV, the cancer-causing strains are likely to be sexually transmitted. However, in Garcia's case, there was an injury that served as the entry portal. The thick skin within the feet and hands serves as natural barriers and protection to combat infections. This, however, was no longer the case for Garcia, as the sickness successfully infected her skin.
The cancer rapidly progressed. Dr. Soleymani notes that Garcia's case was quite intriguing, considering how the progression timeline took three months. Such a duration, however, is quite short for squamous cell carcinoma.
Dr. Soleymani also notes how such findings align with how Garcia had an HPV strain that was high-risk and that it leads to bad outcomes because the wound is not a simple and benign one.
Because of Garcia's determination, she was able to meet with Dr. Soleymani early on and get the stage 1 cancer diagnosis.
The outcomes of the treatment are quite dependent on how early they are caught. Dr. Soleymani also notes how they are usually entirely curable. Thanks to Garcia's persistence, she may have spared herself from undergoing amputation.
Garcia underwent Mohs surgery. Dr. Soleymani notes that since 100% margins can be assessed through the Mohns micrographic methods, there is no need for Garcia to undergo radiation and additional therapy.
Nail Cancer
According to Today, melanomas are the most common form of nail cancer that dermatologists spot. These usually come across as dark brown or black streaks in the nail. However, for those with squamous cell carcinomas in the nail, they may seem like a mass of blood.
Dr. Soleymani notes that whenever one observes a growth that does not go away in four weeks, it is time to see a dermatologist.
The Aftermath of Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Garcia's nail now looks normal. However, she still feels quite traumatized by these events.
She had to regularly undergo skin cancer screenings with her doctor. Garcia notes how she feels it is important to talk about her experience to make others aware and to encourage those who have manicures and pedicures to be extra cautious. She also encourages others to be persistent if something does not feel right.
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