Protect your skin from the sun and prevent melanoma
Skin Melanoma - The Invisible Enemy That Can Change Life
Skin melanoma is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer. Although it constitutes only a small portion of all skin tumors, its ability to quickly spread to other parts of the body makes it one of the most dangerous forms of cancer. This malignant tumor arises from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives our skin, hair, and eyes their color.
Unfortunately, skin melanoma often does not exhibit any painful symptoms, leading people to underestimate or ignore its manifestations. However, early detection can mean the difference between successful treatment and serious complications.
What is skin melanoma and how does it develop?
Skin melanoma develops when there is uncontrolled growth of melanocytes. This process is usually triggered by DNA damage in skin cells, most often due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This can come from both the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds. Repeated skin burns, especially in childhood, significantly increase the risk of developing melanoma.
Genetic factors also play an important role. People with a family history of melanoma or with a large number of moles, especially atypical ones, are at higher risk. The risk group also includes individuals with fair skin, blue eyes, and blonde or red hair, as they have less protective melanin, which shields the skin from UV radiation.
How to recognize skin melanoma?
Recognizing skin melanoma can be difficult at first glance, as it often resembles common moles. However, there are several signs that should not be overlooked:
- Asymmetry – The mole is not symmetrical. If you divide the mole into two halves, both sides should be similar. This is not the case with melanoma.
- Irregular borders – The mole has uneven, jagged, or poorly defined edges.
- Color variation – The mole can be multicolored, containing shades of black, brown, red, blue, or even white.
- Size – Moles larger than 6 mm (roughly the size of a pencil eraser) can be suspicious.
- Changes – Any change in size, color, shape, or texture of the mole is a reason to see a doctor. Similarly, itching, bleeding, or crusty changes.
These rules are often referred to as the ABCDE rule, which helps distinguish common moles from suspicious ones.
Prevention of skin melanoma
Prevention plays a key role in protecting against skin melanoma. Although some factors, like genetics, cannot be influenced, there are many steps we can take to reduce risk:
- Sun protection: Use sunscreens with a high protection factor (SPF 30 and above), not only in summer but also during sunny winter days.
- Avoiding tanning beds: Artificial sources of UV radiation present an unnecessary risk, which can be easily avoided.
- Clothing and shade: Wearing hats, sunglasses, and light clothing provides a physical barrier against UV radiation. Seek shade between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun is strongest.
- Regular mole check: Carefully examine your skin every month, including areas not commonly exposed to the sun, such as feet, palms, or scalp.
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European Melanoma Day, which is regularly held in spring, offers an opportunity for free mole checks. This initiative helps raise awareness of melanoma and saves countless lives.
What does the path to recovery look like?
Treatment of melanoma depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed. In the early stages, the most effective method is surgical removal of the tumor along with a small surrounding margin of healthy tissue. If melanoma is caught early, the chances of a complete recovery are very high.
In more advanced stages, when melanoma has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs, treatment is more complex. Modern methods are used, such as immunotherapy, which stimulates the patient's immune system to fight cancer cells, or targeted therapy aimed at specific genetic mutations in the tumor.
An important part of treatment is also psychological support. A cancer diagnosis is a stressful situation for many people, requiring not only physical but also mental strength.
Skin Melanoma as a Global Challenge
According to statistics, the number of melanoma cases is increasing worldwide, which is a consequence of the growing popularity of tanning and inadequate protection against UV radiation. Public education and early diagnostic programs therefore play a key role in fighting this disease.
Remember, skin melanoma can affect anyone regardless of age or gender. Although people over 50 are most at risk, this tumor is increasingly appearing in younger individuals, emphasizing the need for prevention and awareness.
Skin melanoma is a disease that can largely be prevented with proper behavior and regular skin condition checks. Pay attention to changes, do not neglect prevention, and do not hesitate to seek professional help if you suspect anything.
Remember, the health of our skin reflects the care we give it. Skin melanoma is a serious diagnosis, but with a conscious approach to prevention and treatment, it does not have to be an unsolvable problem. Your health is in your hands – protect it.
