The 38-year-old reality TV actress explained why she’s had a bandage on her cheek for so long on Instagram on October 11. It turns out that it’s being done to preserve a wound that is still healing after skin cancer was removed from her face.
Kardashian described a small bulge on her cheek that just wouldn’t go away in a series of Instagram stories, attributing it to nothing more than a typical zit. She made the decision to see a dermatologist after seven months.
After two biopsies, it was determined that Kardashian had skin cancer and required “urgent surgery.” (A biopsy is the removal of a sample of skin from a questionable lesion.)
“My margins all look clear, and the healing process has begun. So, here we are,” wrote Kardashian. You’ll still see my bandages, and when I’m permitted, you’ll probably see a scar (and an indentation in my cheek from the tumor is removed), but in the meanwhile, I hope you enjoy how amazing I’m making my face bandages seem.
Kardashian’s first biopsy was performed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tess Mauricio, who informed BuzzFeed News that she is unable to discuss the situation of her patient, including the specific type of cancer that was present. She is “very grateful” nevertheless that Kardashian shared her story and contributed to raising awareness of skin cancer.
In addition, Kardashian said that when she was 19 years old, melanoma, the most dangerous and deadly type of skin cancer, was surgically removed from her back. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), melanoma survivors have an eight-fold increased risk of developing the disease again.
Even those who aren’t prone to melanoma like she is “should be checking all the time,” Kardashian added. “I am ONLY sharing this story with you so I can remind everyone to be checked, and frequently.”
No one is exempt from these things, I wear sunscreen rigorously every single day, she continued. Please take this seriously and perform routine self-examinations in addition to your annual check-ups.”
