Jordanian discovers skin disease indicative of cancer

AMMAN — Jordanian dermatologist Khitam Rfou has recorded a global achievement in medicine with her discovery of a rare skin disease that can indicate the existence of more dangerous illnesses, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Tuesday.

Rfou, a dermatology consultant at Mutah University's Faculty of Medicine, said that her research, the first on the topic, has been validated and published in the International Journal of Dermatology.

Through scientific and medical evidence, Rfou's research establishes that the skin disease "Pityriasis Rotunda" can act as an indicator of cancer and several other ailments.

She said that her research provides a precise scientific definition of the nature of the disease and its associated indications, which are more serious than the disease itself.

Rfou noted that she participated in the research as a key researcher, along with a scientific team consisting of dermatologist Awad Tarawneh and head of dermatology at the Royal Medical Services, Brig. Gen. Hussein Edheibat.

Mutah University President Dhafer Sarayrah said Rfou's international achievements are "concrete proof of the ability of Jordanians to develop medicine regionally and globally".