Melanoma – the most dangerous skin cancer. Find out if you're at risk.
This cancer is the most serious oncological problem in dermatology.
Over the past 30 years, the incidence and mortality rates of the disease have increased. Early detection followed by appropriate excision can lead to cure rates of up to 90%, especially in low-risk melanomas. explains what melanoma is, what should raise concerns, and what tests to perform. dermatologist in LublinJoanna Nowak, MD,
Skin cancer - causes
Repeated, short, intense sun exposure and severe burns in childhood play a significant role in the development of melanoma and are a major risk factor. Visiting a tanning bed, being Caucasian (phototype I, II), being female, having more than 50 moles, and having atypical moles are other risk factors for skin cancer.
It's also worth mentioning a familial genetic predisposition to melanoma. Genetic studies have confirmed that carrying the CDKN2A gene is associated with an increased incidence of cutaneous melanoma.
How to recognize if it is melanoma?
In women, melanoma is most often located on the limbs, while in men, the most common location is the trunk.
Melanoma usually appears de novo, meaning on otherwise intact skin, but it can develop in conjunction with a melanocytic nevus. This is a nevus composed of pigment-rich cells called melanocytes, commonly known as a "mole."
Skin cancer – types
We associate melanoma with the color black and there are actually 4 basic types of melanoma:
- originating from a malignant lentigo (usually on the face),
- superficially spreading melanoma,
- nodular melanoma (on the skin of the lower limbs, upper limbs or trunk),
- acral melanoma (on the feet – as in the photo – or hands).
There are also apigmented melanomas, which are red in color, and verrucous melanomas, which resemble viral warts. Melanomas can occur on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and the anogenital area. Pre-existing melanoma can progress rapidly during pregnancy. Melanoma in children is rare.
What does skin cancer look like? What might we be concerned about?
1) Changes within an existing mole, referred to as ABCD:
- A – asymmetry – change in the shape of the mole from round to asymmetrical
- B – edges – uneven, jagged edges of the mole
- C – color – changes in the color of the mole: darkening, lightening, various shades of red, non-uniform color
- D – size, diameter of the mole > 6 mm
2) Newly formed mole
Melanoma prevention
Thanks to prevention, we can protect ourselves against skin cancer, which involves:
- protection against UV radiation (creams with an appropriate sun protection factor, SPF), which prevents sunburn,
- self-examination of moles and the entire skin of our body and regular specialist visits (dermatologist, oncologist),
- Mole examination – dermatoscopy or videodermatoscopy – undoubtedly plays the most important role in diagnosing disturbing pigmented lesions, including melanoma. This examination allows for the differentiation of common, harmless pigmented moles from atypical ones, which has significantly improved the effectiveness of preoperative mole diagnostics.
Remember that you should use good sunscreen products year-round. Excessive exposure to sunlight, regardless of the season, causes accelerated aging. Unprepared skin is more susceptible to sunburn, which in turn increases the risk of melanoma.
Frequently asked questions – FAQ
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is the most serious oncological problem in dermatology. It is a skin cancer that can appear on otherwise normal skin or develop in association with a melanocytic nevus, commonly known as a mole.
Why is early detection of melanoma important?
Early detection of melanoma and proper excision can lead to very high cure rates, especially for low-risk melanomas. Therefore, skin monitoring and regular mole inspection are crucial.
What increases the risk of developing melanoma?
The risk of developing melanoma is increased by repeated, short, and intense sun exposure and severe sunburn during childhood. Other risk factors include tanning bed use, fair skin type, female gender, a large number of moles, and atypical moles.
Do genetic predispositions play a role in the development of melanoma?
Yes. A familial genetic predisposition may play a role in the development of melanoma. Carrying the CDKN2A gene is associated with an increased incidence of cutaneous melanoma.
Where does melanoma most often occur?
In women, melanoma most often occurs on the limbs, while in men, it most often occurs on the trunk. However, it can also appear in other locations, including the hands, feet, and mucous membranes.
Does melanoma always arise from a mole?
No. Melanoma usually appears de novo, meaning on previously unchanged skin. However, it can also develop in conjunction with a melanocytic nevus, a lesion composed of pigment cells.
What are the main types of melanoma?
The main types of melanoma include malignant lentigo, superficial spreading melanoma, nodular melanoma, and acral melanoma, which can occur on the feet or hands.
Is melanoma always black?
No. Although melanoma is often associated with a black lesion, it can also present in other ways. There are apixaemic melanomas, red melanomas, and verrucous melanomas, which can resemble a wart.
What changes within a mole should cause concern?
Changes that are considered concerning are those defined by the ABCD rule: asymmetry, uneven or jagged edges, color change, and a mole size or diameter greater than 6 mm. Any newly formed mole should also be monitored.
What does the ABCD rule mean in assessing moles?
The ABCD rule helps determine whether a mole requires examination. A indicates asymmetry, B indicates uneven or jagged edges, C indicates color, which is a discoloration or uneven color, and D indicates size, especially if the diameter is greater than 6 mm.
How to prevent melanoma?
Melanoma prevention primarily involves protection from UV radiation, avoiding sunburn, self-examination of moles and the entire skin, and regular visits to a specialist, e.g. a dermatologist or oncologist.
What test helps assess moles?
Dermatoscopy and videodermatoscopy play an important role in the assessment of moles. These tests help distinguish common, harmless pigmented moles from atypical moles and support the diagnosis of worrisome pigmented lesions, including melanoma.
Do you have to use sunscreen creams all year round?
Yes. It's worth using good sunscreen year-round. Excessive exposure to sunlight, regardless of the season, accelerates skin aging, and sunburn increases the risk of melanoma.
The information contained in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is recommended that you consult a physician or other qualified healthcare professional for advice regarding specific symptoms, ailments, or health conditions.