Sabrina Del Fico The unusual presence of fine, colorless hair on the nose and ears could be a sign of cancer that should not be underestimated - as this American dermatologist explains on TikTok
@denverskindoc/TikTok
The symptoms of tumors can be bizarre and unpredictable, but a keen eye can recognize seemingly innocuous physical traits as clear signals of severe health issues.
This is the case with a rare skin condition known as acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa, an unusual yet potentially revealing symptom of a serious internal disease.
Dr. Scott Walter, a board-certified dermatologist from Denver, recently explained this in a viral video on his TikTok channel.
According to Dr. Walter, it’s crucial to pay attention to the rapid growth of fine white hairs in typically hairless areas of the body – such as the nose, ears, or nape – as this could indicate the presence of a tumor.
What is acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa?
Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa is a rare condition in which an adult develops lanugo, which are fine, non-pigmented, and thin hairs similar to those produced by a newborn after birth.
While this type of hair growth is normal in newborns and stops within weeks after birth, in adults, it is often a paraneoplastic sign – meaning a reaction of the body to an internal cancer.
Dr. Walter explains that lanugo tends to grow on the ears, cheeks, and nose, and has been associated with various types of tumors – including those of the lung, breast, uterus, colorectal system, gastrointestinal system, urinary tract, and ovaries.
@denverskindoc Baby hair aka Lanugo as an adult? #whatsonmyskin #lanugo #lanugohair #medicine #acquiredhypertrichosislanuginosa #paraneoplastic #interesting #todayilearned #babyhair
“The striking thing is that this sign can precede the cancer diagnosis by two and a half years, meaning it could be the first sign you have cancer,” he explains in the video.
Although it is an extremely rare symptom, Walter emphasized the importance of recognizing it as a possible early indicator of an internal disease.
In addition to abnormal hair growth, symptoms of acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa can include tongue inflammation, tongue swelling, altered taste, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Dr. Walter’s advice highlights, once again, the importance of observation as a tool for preventing serious diseases and disorders – both personally and in those around us.
Source: TikTok
