Do Not Ignore Unsual Bumps That Won't Heal Easily

Recently, while I was with a colleague I noticed a round-like ulceration on his face, just underneath his right eye and wondered what it could be. As we talked, he scratched the surrounding and acted like its really nothing to worry about.

'Does it hurt?' I asked. 'Oh! This...,' he pointed towards his face. 'It doesn't. It is a skin cancer, the type that doesn't spread.' He laughed as he explained the condition to me. 'So sorry to hear that and I am delighted to know it does not cause you much pain,' I added. 'No, I am fine Dear and I am currently undergoing some radiotherapy.'

Photo credit:medicinet.com

I met him again in a fortnight but this time the affected area was very pinkish and sore. I enquired to know how he was faring and the progress of the radiotherapy he has been undergoing and he made me understand that he was fine and bubbling. According to him, an artificial skin was placed on the affected area owing to the effect of the radiotherapy. As we talked on, I got to know that that he has a good knowledge of the condition and how to cope well with it.

'In fact, earlier today when I went into a shop I saw a little boy who was drawing the mothers attention towards me, it was funny to watch. I kept smiling back at the boy while the mother was acting like she didn't know what the child was talking about,' He joked and we both laughed. I suppose he has a good sense of humour as well.

It is important that we pay attention to our skin and health in general as it can help us prevent and or combat certain health conditions. Thus, early detection aids prompt treatment.

I know there are some of us out there who do not pay much attention to their health, in the sense that would rather have it worsen before they seek a medical help. However, this is not the ultimate approach.

Let me share some symptoms of Skin cancer so that we can be informed and do not hesitate to seek for a medical help when necessary. Skin cancers can appear as:

• A spot or sore that does not heal within 4 weeks
• A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, scab, crust or bleed for more than 4 weeks
• Areas where the skin has broken down or become an ulcer, you can't think of a reason for this change, and it does not heal within 4 weeks
• An ulcer is an area that is breaking down and begins to get deeper. This can be called erosion.

The three most common types of skin cancer are:

• Melanoma: Melanoma begins in melanocytes (pigment cells). Most melanocytes are in the skin. Melanoma can occur on any skin surface. In men, it's often found on the skin on the head, on the neck, or between the shoulders and the hips. In women, it's often found on the skin on the lower legs or between the shoulders and the hips. Melanoma is rare in people with dark skin. When it does develop in people with dark skin, it's usually found under the fingernails, under the toenails, on the palms of the hands, or on the soles of the feet.

• Basal cell skin cancers: They look like a small, slow growing, shiny, pink or red lump. They can also look like red scaly patches. If left, basal cell skin cancers tend to become crusty, bleed, or develop into an ulcer. They are commonest on the face, scalp, ears, hands, shoulders and back. They are usually painless although they may itch and bleed.

• Squamous cell skin cancers They are usually pink lumps. They may have hard or scaly skin on the surface. They are often, but not always, tender. They can bleed easily and develop into an ulcer. They are most often found on the face, neck, lips, ears, hands, shoulders, arms and legs.They do not heal.

Lastly, do not ignore any unusual lump or lesion on the body surface that wouldn't heal after four weeks, seek help to know what exactly it is.

Ring on the last finger.

I went to get some chicken from a poultry shop and succeeded in having a nice chat with the sales personnel. At first, it was hard work for me to locate the shop because I was looking for a fresh or possibly live one, it was my first time there after about 6 years ago; I was there with someone. 

On sighting the building and it's unique yellow painting and drawings, I suddenly knew it was the particular shop I had in mind, after been to couple of other shops and asking after this very shop. 

On reaching there, there were varieties of chicken  I could choose from. The guy helped me made a good choice and admired the ring I had on my finger. We got chatting and he asked for the significances or my cultural interpretations of wearing rings on different fingers. 'The index finger is for singles or students, third is for engaged people, fourth is the marriage one while the last one is for widow/widower. As for the thumb, I am not so sure what it stands for, maybe for native doctors', those were my honest answers. We both laughed, especially in regards to the last bit of my explanation.

Photo credit: weheartit.com

It was then that I asked him to tell me why he had a band-less ring on his last finger and I made interesting discoveries. He said that in Morocco where he hails from, parents usually give a ring of luck to their children; to guard them, when they want to leave for a foreign land and in his case it was his mother who gave him the ring.

I was pleased to hear that, in a way that it melted my heart. I actually felt home sick although am not from Morocco. In reality, it got me thinking about the attachment of people to where they originated from and how they so much cherish it , irrespective of how they fare where they found themselves.

At the end I said to him, 'I hope the ring continues to bring you luck'. I suppose he enjoyed the chat too.  I was going to ask him more about his Country but then I was only there to get some meat, so, the meats were neatly cut and packed and off I go.

P.S  We will like to know if you have a special meaning for wearing a ring on a particular finger or at least, your cultural perception of  it. Thanks in advance.