Most common questions used to investigate
Do you live in a subtropical, tropical, or temperate climate?
Do you know the cause of Buruli cancer?
Are you aware of the symptoms?
Do you know the diagnosis?
Are you aware of your treatment options?
Do you think it can be prevented?
Common conclusions
Buruli cancer has been reported so far in 33 countries spread across Africa, America, Asia, and Western pacific. Most of these cases occur in tropical, subtropical, or temperate climates except for a handful of countries like Australia, China, and Japan. The most prominent of them is West and Central Africa, especially the countries of Benin, Congo, Ghana, and Nigeria. Outside Africa, it is most prevalent in Australia.
Understanding the cause of Buruli cancer is absolutely important to avoid it at all costs. It is caused by an environmental mycobacterium called Mycobacterium ulcerans that thrive in tropical, subtropical, and temperate areas. This bacteria belongs to the same family of bacteria that causes leprosy and tuberculosis. However, the difference is that it is an environmental bacteria that produces a unique toxin called mycolactone and the mode by which it transmits to humans is largely unknown.
This cancer starts with a painless swelling in the legs, arms, and face. There will be no pain or fever associated with it and this swelling can turn to ulcer within just four weeks. The underlying bone may also be affected, leading to physical deformities.
Buruli cancer is often confused with diabetes, leprosy, HIV, and even insect bites. The first step to diagnosing Buruli cancer is to eliminate other conditions. In general, four standard methods are used to confirm this cancer and they are IS2404 polymerase chain reaction (PCR), histopathology, culture, and direct microscopy. But since this disease is often confused with others, it has a low detection and treatment rate. So, if you think you have Buruli cancer, get all the four tests done for confirmation.
Antibiotics is the most effective treatment for Buruli cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the combination of rifampicin (10 mg/kg once daily) and clarithromycin (7.5 mg/kg twice daily) is now the recommended treatment for Buruli cancer. Sometimes, interventions such as wound and lymphoedema management or sometimes even surgery may be necessary, depending on the severity of the case. Physiotherapy can help to prevent the resulting disability, especially if it has affected the bones.
Unfortunately, there are no known preventive measures for Buruli cancer except avoiding going to countries/regions that report high incidences. Also, the mode of transmission to humans remains largely unknown and this makes diagnosis and treatment difficult, especially in the early stages. Regular awareness and checkups are the best way to detect it early and get the necessary treatment done.
You are right, so make sure you stay on top of the symptoms and watch for any swelling on your arms, legs, and face. Get it treated at the earliest to prevent complications.
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