Khloe Kardashian opens up about skin cancer scare, undergoes operation to remove tumor from her face
Khloe Kardashian revealed on Instagram that she recently experienced a skin cancer scare, which required her to get a tumor removed from her face.
The 38-year-old reality star opened up about the experience to address stories going around about the "ever-evolving" bandage on her face.
"After noticing a small bump on my face and assuming it was something as minor as a zit, I decided to get it biopsied seven months after realizing it was not budging," she said.
Kardashian then had it examined by a dermatologist who said they saw something "incredibly rare" for someone her age.
"A few days later I was told I need to have an immediate operation to remove a tumor from my face," she said. "I'm grateful to share that Dr. Garth Fischer was able to get everything—all my margins appear clear and now we are onto the healing process."
She continued to say she'll be seen by fans wearing the bandage and that she intends to make it look "fabulous."
"So here we are... You'll continue to see my bandages and when I'm allowed, you'll probably see a scar (and an indention in my cheek from the tumor being removed) but until then I hope you enjoy how fabulous I'm making these face bandages look."
The Keeping up with the Kardashians star added that she shared her story to remind people to get checked for skin cancer. She also told fans how at 19, she had melanoma and had it removed by surgery.
"We should be checking all the time. I am someone who wears sunscreen every single day, religiously so no one is exempt from these things. Please take this seriously and do self-exams as well as your annual checkups," Kardashian said.
How to self-check for skin cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, you can check for skin cancer by looking in a mirror and examining your skin. Go over the entire surface of your skin and learn moles, blemishes, freckles, and other marks so you notice any changes next time.
Skin cancers come in many shapes and sizes but they are more common on body parts that get more sun like your face, head, neck, and arms.
Skin cancers commonly appear in the following ways:
- a new, expanding, changing growth, spot, or bump
- a sore that bleeds and/or hasn't healed
- a roughly or scaly red patch
- a wart-like growth
- a mole that's new or changing in size, shape, or color
- a mole with an odd shape, irregular borders, or areas of different color
If you find something suspicious on your skin, consult with your doctor or dermatologist.