Culinary superstar Gordon Ramsay has shared that he has recently undergone surgery for cancer. The 58-year-old celebrity chef, famous for his legendary programmes Kitchen Nightmares and Hell’s Kitchen, recently turned to Instagram to inform worried supporters that he has had an operation to eliminate cancer from the side of his face.
He was diagnosed with Basal cell carcinoma – the most common type of skin cancer worldwide. It most often develops on areas of skin exposed to the sun, such as the face.
On Instagram, the chef issued a warning to fans: “Please don’t forget your sunscreen this weekend [red heart emoji] I promise you it’s not a face lift! I need a refund….” Gordon’s comment section was inundated with friends and fans wishing him a swift recovery.
BCC arises in the basal cells, which are found in the deepest layer of the epidermis. It most commonly develops on areas frequently exposed to the sun, including the face, ears, neck, chest, and backs of the hands. The condition often grows slowly but can destroy surrounding skin, tissue, and occasionally bone if neglected.
BCC can present in several ways, including:
Unlike melanoma, BCC rarely spreads to lymph nodes or distant organs, but early treatment is crucial to prevent local tissue damage. The prognosis is rarely life-threatening, but those who have been diagnosed are more likely to suffer from BCC again.
Sun exposure is the leading cause of BCC, particularly cumulative exposure over a lifetime. Additional risk factors include:
Preventing BCC involves protecting the skin from UV radiation:
Treatment depends on the size, location, and subtype of the cancer but usually involves surgical removal. Options include:
Early diagnosis and treatment are highly effective, with most patients making a full recovery.
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