It is known that women use a wide variety of methods to deal with unwanted hair. They try to get rid of unwanted hair with processes such as waxing, razor and epilation. However, there may be various diseases underlying the excessive hair growth. Some cases suggest that certain hair growth patterns may be a sign of cancer. While the causes of these symptoms are usually benign, a more life-threatening cause should not be overlooked.
HE HAS FEATHERS IN VARIOUS AREAS OF HIS BODY
In 2016, the Journal of Clinical Oncology reported the case of a 62-year-old woman with “various cancers” who presented with “extremely dense hair on her face, arms, and back.” His report states that the hair growth consists of 2 cm long, white, fine, soft hairs, prominently located on the face, arms and back, and all symptoms are consistent with the growth of lanugo hairs.
UNWANTED HAIR MAY BE CAUSED FROM HIRSUTISM
Further investigations later revealed a tumor that had metastasized to the patient’s left ovary and colon. A similar case report in the BMJ describes a 58-year-old case presenting with mild hirsutism in the jaw. The patient had noticed mild hair loss 12 months ago, but her symptoms had progressed rapidly in the four months leading up to her clinical examination. Hirsutism is a common condition caused mainly by excessive secretion of androgens from the ovaries or adrenal glands.
HIRSUTISM MAY BE RELATED TO CANCERS
Doctor Liakas explained: “One form of hormone imbalance that can cause hirsutism is certain adrenal gland disorders. This is adrenal cancer, adrenal tumors [ve] “Adrenal tumors occur when cancerous cells form in the adrenal cortex, the part of the body that controls male and female hormones. In simple terms, the adrenal glands are responsible for the production of your hormones,” he added. Another cancer-related cause of hirsutism is androgen-secreting tumors.
RARELY SEEN
“There is also the possibility that the underlying cause of hair growth in women is an androgen-secreting tumor in the ovaries, but this is also rare,” said Dr. Manish Mittal. The specialist explained that when hirsutism is caused by adrenocortical carcinoma, patients may want to pay attention to other symptoms.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE SYMPTOMS
“This type of cancer is usually more prominent with abdominal pain and lumps, but it’s still worth mentioning to your doctor if you notice abnormal hair growth.”
Hirsutism is generally defined as unwanted hair growth and scattered hair growth on the face, chest, and back. This condition, which affects millions of women around the world, poses a significant psychological burden. Doctor Liakas states that between five and 10 percent of women in the world are affected.
THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE FROM NORMAL FEATHERS
“The main difference between hirsutism and the more typical hair on a woman’s body and face, which most of us refer to as peach hair, is texture,” he added. “Women can develop excess body or facial hair due to high androgen hormone levels, such hormones include testosterone and androstenedione.” The listed causes are more likely to cause hirsutism than cancer, but still, symptoms should be promptly checked out by a healthcare professional.