Melanoma: symptoms and treatment

On May 12, Russia will host the day of melanoma diagnostics.

Melanoma Diagnostic Day has been held in Europe since 1999. Its goal is to draw people’s attention to the dangers of prolonged exposure to the sun, and to conduct screening for the early detection of skin cancer. Until May 9, you can make an appointment with a dermatologist for free. Recording is carried out through the hotline by number 8-800-2000-345.

Early detection is critical to the successful treatment of melanoma. Therefore, on the Day of Melanoma Diagnosis, hundreds of dermatologists conduct a free examination of those who signed up for an appointment. In 1997-1999 only 14% of melanomas were detected at an early stage, now this figure is much higher.

On the Melanoma Diagnostic Day website, you can go test and determine your and your family’s risk of developing the disease.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. However, it is curable if diagnosed early. But this type of cancer is fatal if it is detected too late. Melanoma is a tumor that develops from cells that color the skin. These cells – melanocytes – under the influence of ultraviolet radiation produce the coloring substance melanin. They are also found in large numbers in nevi or moles. The degeneration of melanocytes occurs as a result of exposure to many factors: ultraviolet radiation, mechanical injury, thermal or chemical burns, etc. Melanoma is more dangerous than all other types of skin cancer because it quickly metastases and invades other organs through the blood vessels and lymph nodes.

“I’m scared – what if they find you!”

Rules for recognizing a suspicious mole

  • Shape – towering above skin level
  • Resizing, accelerating growth
  • The borders are wrong, the edges are jagged
  • Asymmetry – one half is different from the other
  • The sizes are large – the diameter usually exceeds 5 mm
  • Color uneven

Don’t panic. Melanoma is very aggressive, but early detection can be cured. Therefore, pay attention to the skin and especially moles. Not everyone is at the same risk of developing melanoma. But if at least one of the following statements applies to you, try to regularly check with a dermatologist.

  • You have (very) light skin, blonde or red hair and burn out quickly in the sun.
  • You have moles on your skin, many of which are irregular or uneven in color.
  • Your family has had a history of melanoma or other type of skin cancer.
  • In your youth, you burned out several times in the sun.
  • You often sunbathe or visit a solarium regularly.
  • You have a dark spot on your skin that has recently changed shape.
  • You have several moles larger than 0,5 cm.
  • You have lived or live in a country where there is a lot of sun.

Early diagnosis is critical to increasing your chances of defeating the disease. Therefore, we recommend that all people with an increased risk of melanoma have their skin checked by a specialist.

The day is on the initiative National Alliance of Dermatologists and Cosmetologists.

Partner of the Melanoma Diagnostic Day in Russia – La Roche-Posay.

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