Melanoma originating from melanocytes, the frequency of which is constantly increasing. It is usually found on the skin. It is the most common malignancy in women aged 25-29 and the second most common after breast cancer in women aged 30-35.</p >
Early diagnosis and treatment often lead to complete healing.</strong >
Aggravating factors are:
Early symptoms such as an increase in size or change in colour or shape of a nevus as well as itching, tenderness and bleeding should impel you to see your dermatologist immediately.
Melanoma is a malignant tumour originating from melanocytes of the chorio-epidermal boundary. It occurs mainly on the skin but can also be found on the mucous membranes, eyes and meninges. It mainly affects the white race, the average age of diagnosis is 55 years and both sexes have an equal probability of being affected.
In the usual clinical types, the biological development of melanoma is distinguished into two phases:
Horizontal Growth Phase: cancer cells spread peripherally or horizontally along the basal layer of the epidermis and papillary dermis, clinically forming a pigmented spot or plaque that expands asymmetrically. This phase is long-term and lasts from months to years.
Vertical Growth Phase: follows the horizontal growth phase and is characterised by the infiltration of the deeper dermis and subcutaneous fat. It presents clinically in the form of a nodule that forms within a short period of time, compared to the previous phase, and in which the cancer cells grow vertically, infiltrating the deeper layers of the skin. This infiltration increases the possibility of metastatic spread of the tumor and worsens the prognosis.
When a nevus (mole) changes in texture, colour and size, it is a sign that we should contact our dermatologist immediately.
The medical community has designated the “MELANOMA ALPHABET” of the first five letters of the English alphabet (ADCDE) to provide an easy guide to tracking early symptoms of possible melanoma.</ span>
A (Asymmetry)
B (Border)
C (Color)
D (Diameter)
E (Evolving)
People who belong to an increased risk group should be examined regularly and according to their doctor’s instructions. If there is a genetic predisposition or if there are a lot of moles on the body, they should be systematically monitored and nevus mapping should be performed, an examination in which the medical expert closely monitors any possible change.
Digital nevus mapping is the most important means of preventing and controlling skin nevi. The technology in the hands of a dermatologist specialised and experienced in dermoscopy (Dermoscopy Diploma, Medical University of Graz, Austria) enables the early diagnosis of melanoma at a very early stage. For this purpose, a high-resolution dermoscope is used, as well as polarized light, which makes it possible to “photograph” nevi in depth, with very high accuracy.
This examination allows the doctor to monitor and compare the nevi over time, observing in great detail any possible change.
Digital nevus mapping is necessary in the following cases:
In the first visit, we examine the whole body of the patient, both with the naked eye and with a dermatoscope. In the case that we detect a lesion with melanoma characteristics, we proceed with its removal.
When there is no such lesion, we proceed to the digital imaging of nevi which includes two stages:
This assessment is based on the fact that nevi on the same person have a similar dermatoscopic pattern while melanoma has completely different characteristics that make it stand out.
In case that any damage is detected, our medical expert will decide whether it should be removed immediately or schedule an appointment for it to be rechecked after a short period of time.
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