What is Melanoma
Skin cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells that make up the skin. It can be of two types: melanoma and non-melanoma (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas being the most common).
Melanoma is one of the most serious types of skin cancer, due to the possibility of metastasis (spread to other organs).
For 2020, the INCA (National Cancer Institute) estimated 8,450 new cases of melanoma in Brazil, out of a total of 185,380 cases of skin cancer (about 4.5%, therefore). It is important to note, however, that skin cancer is known to be underreported, which means that the actual numbers of cases are likely to be much higher.
Worldwide, out of the 1.3 million total annual cases of skin cancer, about 300,000 are melanomas (approximately 23%).
Melanoma originates in melanocytes – the cells that produce melanin (the substance that determines skin color). Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, on the skin or mucous membranes, and usually manifests in the form of spots, moles, or signs. It is more frequent in white adults but can also affect black individuals and other ethnicities.
Its most frequent causes are prolonged and repeated exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun (especially in childhood and adolescence) and artificial tanning beds.
Symptoms of Melanoma
The main initial manifestation of melanoma skin cancer is the appearance of a dark mole with irregular borders, which may be accompanied by itching and scaling. It can arise on normal skin or from a previous pigmented lesion – in the latter case, there is an increase in size, changes in color, and shape of the lesion.
The internationally adopted ABCDE rule helps patients and healthcare professionals better identify a mole that may be a melanoma skin tumor. The letters correspond to:
- Asymmetry – one half of the mole is different from the other;
- Irregular borders – poorly defined contour;
- Variable color – a single lesion can have several colors, such as black, brown, white, red, and blue;
- Diameter – larger than 6 millimeters;
- Evolution – changes observed in characteristics such as size, shape, or color.
The most common body locations where melanoma can occur are those exposed to sunlight: legs, trunk, neck, and face, and it can also appear in covered areas. In black-skinned people, they commonly appear in light areas such as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
When noticing these skin changes, it is important to consult a doctor. Your trusted physician, family doctor, general practitioner, gynecologist, and dermatologist can assess the need for further investigation.
Diagnosis of Melanoma
The first step in diagnosing melanoma skin cancer is a clinical examination by a doctor. The dermatologist plays an important role in obtaining a qualified evaluation.
If there is a possibility that a mole is melanoma, dermatoscopy is performed. This examination is exclusively performed by a dermatologist and involves using a device to visualize some layers of the skin that are not visible to the naked eye. Typically, this examination needs to be complemented with a histopathological examination, where a part or the entire mole is removed for biopsy. This is where the diagnosis is confirmed, and the best type of treatment is indicated.
Prevention of Melanoma Skin Cancer
Since the greatest risk factor for the development of melanoma skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, the best form of prevention is to avoid unprotected skin exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when its incidence is most intense.
Even before and after these times, it is recommended to protect the skin with shade (natural or from an umbrella, parasol, or tent), clothing, hats, and sunglasses with UV protection in the lenses. On the skin, sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be applied. Lips require specific products for their delicate skin.
It is also important to avoid artificial tanning beds – it is worth noting that they have been banned in Brazil by Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) since 2009.
