Valentina Ferragni, 30, shares grim warning about the ‘stubborn pimple’ on her forehead that led to cancer diagnosis

• Valentina Ferragni had a pesky forehead pimple that lingered for 12 months 
• Turned out it was a sign of skin cancer 
• Read more: Surgeon shares five lifestyle habits that help prevent cancer

Valentina Ferragni is urging others to be diligent with skin checks following a ‘terrifying’ skin cancer diagnosis. 

In 2021 the 30-year-old high fashion model from Italy scratched off what she thought was a forehead pimple that had been lingering for a year. 

It turned out the seemingly innocent spot was skin cancer which doctors removed immediately, along with a large chunk of potentially cancerous flesh beneath it.

Valentina shared photos on Instagram to show what the tiny lump looked like to alert others and prevent them from making the same mistake.

‘Two years ago I removed a “pimple” that was under my skin for almost one year and started to change one month before I got the surgery,’ she wrote. 

Valentina Ferragni is the younger sister of Chiara Ferragni, 36, and the founder of fine handmade jewellery brand Valentina Ferragni Studio. 

Valentina Ferragni, 30, scratched off a pesky pimple she noticed on her forehead that wouldn’t disappear 

Valentina shared photos on Instagram to show what the tiny lump looked like to alert others

After seeing a doctor she had it cut out immediately. Two years on she’s urging others to be diligent with skin checks 

‘Doctors couldn’t tell what was it before the surgery, and they found out it was Basal Cell Carcinoma – a bad cancer of the skin.’

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common and least dangerous types of skin cancer. It tends to grow slowly and is usually found on areas exposed to sunlight. 

The most deadly form is a melanoma and if left untreated it can be life-threatening. 

Valentina added: ‘Life changed very quickly and now I pay attention of every small detail on my skin, every thing that could change and be something else. 

‘I can’t thank enough all the doctors that helped me during that time, and my mission since two years is to spread attention of the skin cancers, one of the most dangerous but undervalued. Please check yourself and go to the doctor.’ 

While the tiny lump didn’t seem like anything sinister to the naked eye, doctors removed a chunk of Valentina’s skin. 

‘I can’t thank enough all the doctors that helped me during that time, and my mission since two years is to spread attention of the skin cancers, one of the most dangerous but undervalued. Please check yourself and go to the doctor,’ she wrote

While the tiny lump didn’t seem like anything sinister, doctors had to remove a chunk of Valentina’s skin

What are the types and signs of a skin cancer?

There are three main types of skin cancer: melanoma (including nodular melanoma), basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Melanoma: Most deadly form of skin cancer and if left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. Appears as a new spot or an existing spot that changes in colour, size or shape.

Basal cell carcinoma: Most common, least dangerous form of skin cancer. Red, pale or pearly in colour, appears as a lump or dry, scaly area. Grows slowly, usually on areas that are often exposed to the sun.

Squamous cell carcinoma: A thickened, red scaly spot that may bleed easily, crust or ulcerate. Grows over some months, usually on areas often exposed to the sun. More likely to occur in people over 50 years of age

After 24 hours thousands flooded the comments to share their own cancer scares.

‘I found melanoma on my mother’s back. She went to the doctor just to prove me wrong and it saved her life,’ one woman commented.

‘Basal cell carcinoma is the best option you can get if we talk about tumors. It’s the most common skin cancer,’ another said.

This year alone it’s estimated that more than 18,200 people were diagnosed with melanoma in Australia with an average diagnosis age of 65.

Australia also has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world due to harsh UV radiation.

For best protection it’s recommended to wear a hat, use SPF 30 sunscreen or higher, wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible, seek shade and wear glasses when out in the sun.

Adults should opt to have a skin check annually.

READ MORE: Young nurse’s warning to Aussies about why everyone must have a bedframe to prevent dangerous mould

Young woman, 30, diagnosed with terminal cancer after feeling ‘bloated and tired’ reveals how she will spend her final days

Source: Read Full Article