Women wear saree for long hours throughout the day, they tie it very tightly to keep it secure. This tightness of the petticoat cord is causing a new type of cancer.
As Indian women, we all love wearing sarees. Saree has been an essential part of traditional clothing in India, loved by women of all ages and cultures across the country. But women who wear it for long hours throughout the day, tie it very tightly to keep it secure. This tightness of the petticoat cord is causing a new type of cancer. Which has been named Petticoat cancer. A recent study published in the British Medical Journal has raised serious concerns for women who wear sarees daily. In this article of Health Shots, know everything about petticoat cancer that affects the stomach and waist area.
What is petticoat cancer?
Petticoat cancer, also known as Marjolin ulcer, is a rare type of skin cancer that appears around the waist in people who wear tightly bound saree underskirts (petticoats) or dhoti. A study published in the British Medical Journal reports that tightly tying waist strings can cause skin irritation, discoloration and ulcers due to constant friction and pressure, ultimately increasing the risk of squamous cell cancer.
Know the symptoms of petticoat cancer (Symptoms of Petticoat cancer)
Marjolin’s ulcer or petticoat cancera rare and aggressive type of skin cancer, which develops in pre-existing old lesions or scars. Here are some common symptoms:
The most prominent symptom is a wound, which does not heal despite proper treatment. The appearance of the wound may change, such as the wound may suddenly become larger or darker, the wound’s edges may become raised, curled, or thickened, the wound may bleed easily, even with minor contact, It may produce discharge or pus and may cause sudden, severe pain.
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What are the causes of petticoat cancer?
Petticoat cancer or Marjoline ulcer is not caused by wearing petticoats, but by irritation and inflammation at the waist due to the tight fit of the garment.
1. Long-lasting irritation or swelling
The tight string or waistband of the petticoat creates constant friction and pressure on the waist skin, increasing the chances of irritation and swelling in that area. This can result in skin damage and chronic wounds or ulcers. Over time, these old lesions can become susceptible to malignant transformation, ultimately leading to the growth of Marjolin ulcers or petticoat cancer, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research.
2. Skin barrier becomes weak
The skin barrier of the waist becomes quite weak due to the constant friction and pressure caused by a tight fitting petticoat. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, this weak barrier disrupts the skin’s natural protection, making it more vulnerable to various types of damage.
As a result, the skin becomes more sensitive to injury, which can lead to abrasions, cuts, and eventually the development of chronic wounds. These old wounds can serve as potential sites for the growth of petticoat cancer.
3. Genetic Predisposition
A study published in the journal Current Opinion in Oncology found that people with a family history of skin cancer, such as melanoma or basal cell carcinoma, may be more susceptible to this rare type of skin cancer.
However, it is important to note that the presence of old wounds or scars caused by previous cancer plays a significant role in the growth of Marjolin’s ulcer. Genetic predisposition is certainly a contributing factor, increasing the risk in people with pre-existing damaged skin.
How to prevent petticoat cancer?
- A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research has found that you can adopt some preventive tips to prevent petticoat cancer:
- Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothing that creates minimal friction and allows proper flow. Avoid overly tight waistbands, belts or cords.
- Check your skin regularly, paying close attention to any pre-existing wounds, scars or irritated areas.
- Seek medical attention for any non-healing wounds. Proper wound care helps prevent complications and reduce the risk of malignant transformation, a process by which cells become cancerous.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and not smoking. This way you can improve your overall skin health.
How to treat petticoat cancer?
Depending on the stage and extent of the cancer, petticoat cancer is often treated using a multidisciplinary approach. The primary treatment is surgical excision, which aims to remove the diseased tumor while leaving a margin of healthy tissue.
In some situations, additional treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be needed to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the chance of their recurrence.
Early detection and treatment are important to increase your chances of effective treatment and recovery. It is very important to consult an expert for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
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