Live broadcast disruption: Dermatologist reveals host's skin cancer diagnosis on air
A Fox News host got a shocking diagnosis live on air when it was revealed he had basal cell carcinoma – the most common form of skin cancer. Mike Jerrick, co-host of Good Day Philadelphia, was left stunned as dermatologist, Dr. Joanna Walker, pointed out a likely-cancerous spot on his elbow.
Dr. Walker, working with the Tara Miller Melanoma Center at the University of Pennsylvania, told Jerrick that the spot exhibited all signs of the most common type of skin cancer.
"So this is a basal cell skin cancer," Walker explained, pointing to Jerrick's arm. "That has all the features of the most common type of skin cancer."
She reassured him that it was treatable, as basal cell carcinoma tends to be slower growing compared to other types. However, it needed to be removed to prevent further growth and tissue damage.
"I was more shocked that she said she was going to cut it out instead of burn it off - that's where I got surprised," Jerrick confessed.
Typical treatment options for basal cell carcinoma include surgical excision (removing the lesion with a margin of healthy skin), Mohs surgery (a specialized technique for high-risk or recurrent BCCs), cryotherapy (freezing and destroying cancer cells), topical medications, radiation therapy, and photodynamic therapy[1][2][3][4][5]. Metastatic or locally advanced disease may be treated with hedgehog pathway inhibitors and chemotherapy[1].
Jerrick is scheduled for removal of the spot on Friday. He remains confident, stating, "I should be fine, she'll just suture me up and I'll be on my way."
Early intervention is crucial for successful treatment. The general public must be aware of the various signs of basal cell carcinoma, including open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, scars, and growths with elevated, rolled edges. These usually occur after exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds[6].
[1] American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC). https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/basal-cell-carcinoma[2] Skin Cancer Foundation. (2021). Basal Cell Carcinoma. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma[3] American Cancer Society. (2021). Basal cell skin cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/basal-cell-carcinoma.html[4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Basal cell carcinoma. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/basal-cell-carcinoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20368668[5] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Basal Cell Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/basal-cell-treatment-pdq[6] Skin Cancer Foundation. (2021). Basal Cell Carcinoma: Signs & Symptoms. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/signs-symptoms
- The diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma on a Fox News host highlights the importance of regular health check-ups, particularly for chronic diseases like skin cancer.
- After being diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, Mike Jerrick decided to share his story to raise awareness about skin care and the signs of skin-related medical conditions.
- In light of his diagnosis, Jerrick encourages the public to learn about healthy habits related to health-and-wellness, such as protecting their skin from UV radiation exposure.
- As a patient with basal cell carcinoma, Jerrick is optimistic about his treatment, which may involve surgical excision or other methods like cryotherapy or topical medications.
