Professional gamer and YouTuber Ninja, also known as Tyler Blevins, revealed that he was diagnosed with melanoma.
The 32-year-old wrote on Twitter : "Alright I’m still in a bit of shock but want to keep you all updated. A few weeks ago I went in to a dermatologist for an annual skin/mole check that Jess proactively scheduled for me."
During the appointment, the doctors noticed a mole on his skin which can indicated cancer. He explained: "There was a mole on the bottom of my foot that they wanted to remove just to be careful. It came back as melanoma, but they are optimistic that we caught it in the early stages.
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Ninja explained that the doctors look a look at a mole (Instagram)"I had another dark spot appear near it, so today they biopsied that and removed a larger area around the melanoma with the hopes that under the microscope they will see clear non-melanoma edges and we will know we got it. I’m grateful to have hope in finding this early, but please take this as a PSA to get skin checkups."
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Melanoma is "is a kind of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes. Melanocytes are cells that make the pigment that gives skin its color. The pigment is called melanin," according to Mayo Clinic. Typically, it is found on sun-exposed skin, but can appear in the eyes or, rarely, inside the body.
Doctors warn that it is important to get regular skin checks with a dermatologist as a preventative measure. Changes or the development of a mole on the skin could indicate that cancer is present. Warning signs include a change in size, color, or symptoms like itching or bleeding.
Doctors urge everyone to have preventative exams (Instagram)
YouTube gaming stars like Kyedae and Technoblade also recently faced cancer battles (Instagram)Creators, friends, and fans sent messages of support to Ninja online. Twitch streamer, Madeyewlook wrote: "I had melanoma on my lower back a few years ago, it is SO scary to hear. Areas that don’t get sun and have moles are spots to extra keep track of. Funny enough, I wanted mine removed off my lower back just because it was in the center of my body and driving me crazy. Good thing."
"Hoping for the best. Lots of love to Jess for being proactive as well," gamer SypherPK said. E-sports commentator Jake Lucky added: "Glad you caught it early man, hoping for the best."
Ninja is just one of a handful of gaming YouTubers who have shared their cancer diagnosis lately. Just a year ago, Valorant streamer Kydedae told fans that she was diagnosed. She shared in September that she was off of chemotherapy.
Prior to Kyedae's diagnosis, Minecraft creator Technoblade tragically died after a year-long battle with sarcoma. His death spurred an outpouring of tributes from friends and fans alike.
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