What we need to know about skin melanoma, which is not a little dangerous
2020-05-22 17:30:00
Doktoreshë Silva
Melanoma is one of the 3 types of skin cancer, with a lower frequency than other types (basal cell carcinoma and spinocell cancer), but the most serious among them with very high risk of spreading in the body and with poor prognosis if not diagnosed and treated. in the early stages.
Although all people need to be careful, a certain category poses more risk of suffering from skin melanoma. This group includes people with light skin color, eyes and hair, with a large presence of puppies and a high tendency to show puppies after sun exposure, a large number of moles, the presence of more than 5 messy moles, congenital and large-area moles, those with a history of relatives with melanoma, as well as people who are exposed to a lot and without sun protection measures, especially those who suffer from sunburn if they present with blisters (vesicles and bumps). Ultraviolet radiation can damage the genetic material of skin cells causing their uncontrolled growth in the case of continuous exposure over the years. Therefore, sun protection measures are important to apply from childhood.
Melanoma can develop de novo, ie with the appearance of new moles which should be checked by a dermatologist, or on existing moles that undergo transformations. Therefore, it is very important to check the performance of existing moles and to observe any changes in their shape, size and color.
Melanoma originates from melanocytes, which are pigmented cells located mainly in the skin and that produce the melanin pigment by giving color to the skin and protecting it from ultraviolet radiation. The number of these cells is genetically determined and in the case of the development of melanoma these cells undergo mutations causing them to multiply uncontrollably. Melanoma in men is more common in the chest and spine, while in women it is more common in the legs. However, it can affect any part of the skin, including the face, ears, etc.
As with other malignant pathologies, there is a classification of melanoma that is important for the treatment and progression of the disease. The earlier it is diagnosed - a stage with localization only on the surface of the skin, or only on the skin - the greater the chance of successful treatment and healing from it, always performing periodic skin checks.
In addition to routine screening for dermatologists and dermatoscopic examinations, it is also important for each individual to monitor and monitor the changes in the scars on the body. To facilitate this process, several rules have been developed called “ABCDE” which describe 5 characteristics that should be checked at each mole to rule out or confirm melanoma and other cancerous skin lesions;
A-Asymmetry - non-pathological signs tend to be symmetrical while non-cancerous carcinomas B-Bordura of the mole - problematic moles present irregular curvature and can often have extensions or areas where the border disappears.
C-Color - The color of the mole. Melanoma tends to have a non-uniform color, but with a pigment scattered irregularly, with bleached areas and other black, or with a blue tinge.
D-Diameter. Melanoma that develops in pre-existing moles causes an increase in diameter by over 0.5 cm, this should not be confused with the increase in the diameter of the moles when increasing body size such as adolescence, pregnancy, etc.
E-Performance of a mole where any change in its appearance should be considered.
Other disturbing signs that should be referred to a dermatologist are cutaneous elements that do not heal, the spread of the pigment of a mole from the border to the neighboring skin, the sensation of pain, itching in a mole, changes in the surface of the mole with bleeding, infection or relief change with the appearance of nodules-rises on an existing mole, the appearance of a new mole that does not resemble other moles or in the case of the appearance of pigmentation on the nails.
Confirmation of the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma is done surgically by removing and examining histologically (biopsy) afterwards. Timely diagnosis and treatment saves lives!
Dr. Silvana Mishtaku
Dermatologist-Venereologist
VIVIA Clinic, American Hospital 3
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: silvanamishtaku
