Self-examination of the skin, key in the early detection of skin cancer
Posted: Tue Jun 04, 2024 3:05 pm
According to data from the World Health Organization's Cancer Observatory, cases of skin cancer are growing faster than any other type. In 2022, the worldwide incidence of melanoma was 331,722 cases and 1,234,533 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer . In Spain, a total of 20,392 new skin cancers were diagnosed throughout 2023 , according to estimates by the Cancer Observatory of the Spanish Association Against Cancer. Non-melanoma carcinomas are the most frequent in our country with 14,430 new cases in 2023, while it is estimated that in that same year in Spain there were 5,962 melanoma diagnoses.
However, it is also the most preventable tumor Baricitinib 4mg (Barigen) and, when detected and treated early, has a good prognosis . For this reason, dermatologists insist on the importance of applying prevention measures, such as adequate sun protection and a good self-examination of the skin to detect in time those moles or spots that may be suspicious.
READ: Melanoma: symptoms to detect it in time
Learn to monitor your moles
Skin self-examination is an important method when diagnosing cancer as soon as possible; since, being a superficial organ, it is easier to detect any anomaly.
What is the goal of self-exploration?
The objective of skin self-examination is for each person to know the characteristics of their skin, so that, if there is any change, they go to the doctor to make the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The changes can be both the appearance of a new lesion (mole, spot, scab...) or variations of an existing one (a mole that changes shape, size, color...).
Characteristics of melanoma
The appearance of the lesions that skin cancers can present is very varied. In the case of carcinomas, they include the appearance of spots (generally reddish) that can peel and bleed, nodules (rounded elevations or prominences on the skin) and ulcers that do not heal. In melanomas, the characteristics that the lesions most frequently present are determined by the rule of A, B, C, D, E.
A: Asymmetry
B: Irregular and peaked edges.
C: Varied color, not homogeneous. For example: from light brown to black.
D: Diameter greater than 6 mm.
E: Evolution. Change in appearance in terms of size, color or thickness.
Signs to identify the characteristics of melanoma
If you have any lesion that presents any of these characteristics, you should consult a dermatologist as soon as possible. In the case, for example, of having a significant number of moles (we are talking about 100) you must undergo periodic check-ups with a specialist.
However, it is also the most preventable tumor Baricitinib 4mg (Barigen) and, when detected and treated early, has a good prognosis . For this reason, dermatologists insist on the importance of applying prevention measures, such as adequate sun protection and a good self-examination of the skin to detect in time those moles or spots that may be suspicious.
READ: Melanoma: symptoms to detect it in time
Learn to monitor your moles
Skin self-examination is an important method when diagnosing cancer as soon as possible; since, being a superficial organ, it is easier to detect any anomaly.
What is the goal of self-exploration?
The objective of skin self-examination is for each person to know the characteristics of their skin, so that, if there is any change, they go to the doctor to make the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The changes can be both the appearance of a new lesion (mole, spot, scab...) or variations of an existing one (a mole that changes shape, size, color...).
Characteristics of melanoma
The appearance of the lesions that skin cancers can present is very varied. In the case of carcinomas, they include the appearance of spots (generally reddish) that can peel and bleed, nodules (rounded elevations or prominences on the skin) and ulcers that do not heal. In melanomas, the characteristics that the lesions most frequently present are determined by the rule of A, B, C, D, E.
A: Asymmetry
B: Irregular and peaked edges.
C: Varied color, not homogeneous. For example: from light brown to black.
D: Diameter greater than 6 mm.
E: Evolution. Change in appearance in terms of size, color or thickness.
Signs to identify the characteristics of melanoma
If you have any lesion that presents any of these characteristics, you should consult a dermatologist as soon as possible. In the case, for example, of having a significant number of moles (we are talking about 100) you must undergo periodic check-ups with a specialist.