07.06.2026 12:11
75-year-old İbrahim Çelik, who applied to a doctor after a 1-centimeter wound on his arm in Istanbul did not heal for months, learned he had skin cancer. Experts stated that due to early diagnosis, the cancer was caught in its first stage, and warned that dermatological examination is vital for wounds that form on sun-exposed areas and do not heal. Çelik said, "I couldn't realize that something on my arm could be this important."
Experts who draw attention to the effects of increased sun exposure on skin health, especially during the summer months, reiterate their warnings at every opportunity, stating that sun rays can bring about not only sunburn but also conditions such as spot formation, premature skin aging, and in the long term, the risk of skin cancer. Physicians noted that suspicious changes in the skin could be signs of significant problems, emphasizing the importance of dermatological examination.
MINOR WOUND ON ARM TURNED OUT TO BE CANCER İbrahim Çelik, a 75-year-old living in Istanbul, also applied to Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital when a wound on his arm did not heal. Dermatology Specialist Dr. Sevgi Kuzugüdenli Yılmaz, upon examining Çelik's wound, stated that it needed to be removed immediately and performed the procedure on January 7. The pathology result revealed that the patient's diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma, a type of cancer that develops from the uncontrolled proliferation of flat cells covering the skin and organs.
CONSULT A DOCTOR FOR PERCEIVED CHANGES IN THE SKIN It was determined that the tissue had not spread to the surroundings. Dr. Kuzugüdenli Yılmaz, while providing information about her patient's condition, noted that the past month of May was also Skin Cancer Awareness Month and gave important warnings. Kuzugüdenli Yılmaz stated that it is essential to consult a doctor for newly formed moles, spots, or wounds, or for changes in size, shape, or color of existing ones, as well as any unusual differences felt on the skin. Çelik, who learned he had cancer after the wound on his arm, shared his experiences.
"I DIDN'T REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT IT WAS UNTIL I WENT TO THE HOSPITAL" Speaking about his experiences, 75-year-old İbrahim Çelik said, "The wound was 1 centimeter long on my elbow; it wasn't that size before, but later it reached 1 centimeter. I applied to Mrs. Sevgi, and during her examination, she understood the seriousness and told me to wait in the biopsy room, where she performed the operation and cleaned the area. It had been there for a long time, but I was unaware of what skin cancer was or what was happening. I didn't realize how important something on my arm could be until I came to Mrs. Sevgi. I recommend that people not stay in the sun too long and not remain inactive."
"WITH EARLY INTERVENTION, WE PREVENTED MAJOR SURGERIES" Starting her remarks by saying, 'Our patient applied 4-5 months ago with a complaint of a crusty wound on his elbow,' Dr. Sevgi Kuzugüdenli Yılmaz said, "During the examination, we noticed that this could be skin cancer. Afterwards, we explained to our patient that this lesion carried serious risks and needed to be removed. We planned the surgery quickly and removed the lesion. The pathology report concluded that it was a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. With early intervention, we prevented our patient from undergoing major surgeries and advanced metastases. In this type of skin cancer, there are 4 stages; since our patient presented at stage 1, there was no need for further interventions such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. Ultraviolet and radiation exposure are among the biggest causes of skin cancers. We recommend protective measures like clothing, hats, and sunglasses for sun protection. Especially during summer months, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when the sun's rays are directly overhead, we advise avoiding prolonged sun exposure and using sunscreen. Tanning is actually a signal from our skin; we definitely do not recommend artificial UV lights like solariums for prolonged sun exposure."
"PATIENTS TRY TO DESTROY MOLES THEMSELVES" Issuing important warnings to citizens, Dr. Kuzugüdenli Yılmaz stated, "Melanoma is a more deadly type of skin cancer, usually developing from moles. It manifests through changes in shape, color, or size of an existing or newly formed mole. In such cases, patients often try to remove moles themselves or through unlicensed procedures for cosmetic purposes. We absolutely do not recommend this; patients should always first consult a dermatologist for any mole to determine its type, whether it is benign or malignant, and get all necessary information about intervention. Unfortunately, while trying to destroy these moles on their own, it can turn out that they are actually a deadly melanoma type."
"CLOSER MONITORING FOR FAIR-SKINNED INDIVIDUALS, SOLARIUM USERS, AND THOSE WITH FAMILY HISTORY OF SKIN CANCER" Speaking about sun exposure, Kuzugüdenli Yılmaz continued: "For wounds on sun-exposed areas like the face and hands that newly appear, do not heal, or start like acne, a dermatological examination is necessary. Especially for individuals with risk factors for skin cancer, such as fair-skinned people, those with sunburns, solarium users, or patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer, we recommend closer monitoring. We will follow up our patient with examinations and close monitoring of moles and all potentially new lesions at 3-6 month intervals. We must minimize our sun exposure."