The Dangerous of Melanoma.Skin Cancer

Cutaneous malignancies are of different shape. Particularly frequent are the basalioma (Epithelioma and carcinoma), followed by spinalioma (Epithelioma spinocellulare). More rare but more known and dangerous is the melanoma.

Cutaneous malignancies have relatively slow development and are largely treatable if diagnosed early and treated promptly.

INCIDENCE

The number of melanoma in the world has doubled in the last 10 years. In Italy occur every year, between 6 and 9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Other malignant skin tumors are much more frequent of melanomas (approximately 50 times more).

Melanoma affects mainly individuals between the ages of 30 and 60 years old, while basal cell carcinomas and non spinocellulare save young people (aged 20 years).

Melanoma affects mainly individuals lentigginosi, from skin, hair and eyes clear. In Alpine countries, melanoma is about 5 or 6 times more common in Mediterranean countries.

SYMPTOMS

In the early stages the basalioma has the appearance of a small round spot, skin colour or rose. Manifests itself in various forms and can affect any part of the body, but instead the head (the eyelids or the nose, for example). In the final stages the tumor has a yellowish color and consists of an ulcer that destroys the surrounding tissue. The basalioma typically affects people over 45.

Like the basaliomi, spinaliomi are also very different in shape. The outgrowths are rough, covered with scabs and harsh. Arise with particular frequency on the face, neck and hands. They are almost always affected individuals over 55 years.

II melanoma is dark brown, and black or bluish. Can affect any part of the body, but instead the trunk in men and the trunk and legs in women. Melanoma can also occur under fingernails of hands and feet as well as mucous membranes, albeit rarely. About one-third of melanomas develops from within.

CAUSES

Skin cancers are Proliferation of various skin cells. II cell carcinoma develops from basal cells, located in the deep layers of squamous cells on the outer. Melanoma originates from pigmented cells, melanocytes.

There are different causes that lead these malignancies. Among these was a part of continued exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet light (UV), invisible to us, may cause damage in the DNA of skin cells that can repair itself but also transform some cancerous cell and cause a uncontrolled proliferation.

Individual reactions to sunlight (UV) are obviously very different.

In addition to sunlight (UV), there are other factors that can encourage the emergence of epiteliomi: carcinogens, ionizing radiation (e.g. x-rays) and a familial predisposition.

PREVENTION AND EARLY DIAGNOSIS

Skin tumors are clearly visible. An early diagnosis is therefore, in principle, almost always fairly easy. This allows rapid intervention and consequently high probability of healing, especially in the case of melanoma.

Specialists recommend regularly examine your skin to determine any changes as soon as possible and, in particular, for melanoma, periodically check their appearance in: alone (looking in the mirror to identify any transformations), with the help of a family member (non-visible points), consult a dermatologist.

Characteristics of a newly observed can be summarized with the acronym ABCDE:

* How Asymmetry: the shape of a benign mole is generally circular or otherwise adjust the melanoma is irregular;

* B as Edges: in melanoma, irregular and indistinct;

* Color: C as in melanoma is variable (i.e. with different shades within the same mole);

* Dimensions: D as in melanoma, are increasing, both in width and thickness;

* And as Evolution: in melanoma, the characteristics of the mole (symmetry, edges, color, size) change over time.

In the presence of only one of the situations described above, you should consult your doctor.

May be also present general symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, headache and sometimes bone pain.

The most common locations for the occurrence of a melanoma are the head, neck and torso for men, arts for women, but beware: a melanoma can occur anywhere in the body, including the scalp or the crease between my toes, the mucous membranes of the mouth and genitalia, venues that normally escape attention.

Are not easy to distinguish from the three skin malignancies, precancerous skin changes (solar Keratoses). It is itchy lesions covered with scabs and scales caused by irradiation alone