Although melanomas are more likely to appear on normal skin (without a previous mole), most of them appear on “normal” moles on the skin. That is why it is important to monitor any changes in our moles using simple guidelines (ABCDE rules) for the early detection of melanoma.

WHAT IS DERMOSCOPY?

Dermatoscopy is a technique developed by dermatologists for monitoring moles. It can be performed using a handheld dermatoscope or a digital dermatoscopy device.

Manual dermoscopy:

A manual dermatoscope is simply a type of “magnifying glass” that allows moles to be observed at higher magnification. When observing moles with the dermatoscope, patterns are assessed that provide guidance on the benignity, malignancy, or “uncertainty” of that mole. Based on this, and on how “disturbing” the mole is, the dermatologist may decide to remove it.

Digital dermatoscopy:

It allows all of a person’s moles to be photographed and monitored individually over time. The technique is also often referred to by the trade name of the most commonly used devices: Fotofinder® or Molemax®. In this way, if any “suspicious” changes are observed in any of them that indicate possible malignancy, they will be removed at an early stage, preventing them from “deepening” and thus worsening their prognosis. This is the most effective technique available today for mole monitoring.

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It usually appears as an ugly brown or blackish spot or lump that can take different shapes and sometimes ulcerates. Its colors, edges, and shape are irregular, and it can contain different shades of brown. In addition to the photos in this post, here you can see many other images of melanoma, where you can observe the varied appearance it can have.

The incidence of melanoma is increasing, probably due to earlier detection, thanks to awareness campaigns and dermatoscopy. However, despite advances in medicine, it has not been possible to reduce its mortality rate.

Despite scientific advances, it has not been possible to reduce the mortality rate of melanoma.
Its frequency increases with age. It is the 5th most common cancer in men and the 7th in women, with an incidence of 6.14 in men and 7.26 in women per 100,000 inhabitants. In Europe, around 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, although it is more common on the trunk and head in men and on the extremities in women.

RISK FACTORS FOR MELANOMA

Scientific studies have shown that there are certain physical characteristics or behaviors that increase the risk of developing melanoma:

• Having a family member who has had melanoma.
• Having atypical nevi. Atypical nevi are moles with a number of characteristics that make them more “disturbing.” It is very difficult to explain this in a post, so when in doubt, it is best to see a dermatologist.
• Having a large number of moles (>25).
• Intense sun exposure: it has been shown that people who have been exposed to the sun throughout their lives (for work or leisure) are at greater risk. Sporadic and intense exposure (spending long hours in the sun during the summer) and sunburn before the age of 18 have been shown to be particularly important.
• Use of sunbeds before the age of 35.
• Certain physical characteristics such as very fair skin, abundant freckles, light-colored eyes, or blond/red hair.

The probability that a changing mole or spot is melanoma is very low, but considering the consequences, it is best to ask if you have any doubts, no matter how silly they may seem.

If you have any of these factors, it is advisable to have regular check-ups with a dermatologist. If not, always remember to consult a doctor if you notice any changes in a mole (according to the ABCDE rule) or the appearance of any new spots that look “strange.” The probability that this change in a mole or new spot is actually melanoma is very low, as it is not a common cancer, but considering its possible consequences (which can lead to death), do not hesitate to ask if you have even the slightest doubt (that’s what we’re here for ;).

To conclude, another recommendation: protect yourself from the sun. We will talk about this in other posts.…

The post What is a melanoma? first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer in humans.

It usually appears after the age of 50, although in people with very fair skin it may appear earlier. Fortunately, this type of tumor grows in a localized form (i.e. only on the skin and it is extremely rare for it to metastasize) so it is not usually life-threatening. In any case, it must be treated and controlled, otherwise it grows and grows causing ulcers in the area where it appears, which can be very painful.

But do you know what basal cell carcinoma looks like? Well, there are several types of basal cell carcinoma that can resemble moles, scars or warts. For example, the woman in the photo has several bumps on her nose, but only one is a basal cell carcinoma.

What characteristics are important to CONSULT A DERMATOLOGIST?

• It is a lump or a wound that bleeds and does not heal.
• Although slow, it grows continuously
• It has a shiny surface
• It is in an area where we have been exposed to the sun throughout our lives.

Apart from these more or less common characteristics, basal cell carcinomas can have other very varied features that I will illustrate below:

1. A basal cell carcinoma can be SMALL or LARGE.

Basal cell carcinomas begin as small granules of a few millimeters and over the course of months (or years) become larger.

2. A basal cell carcinoma can be DARK or LIGHT.

Basal cell carcinomas are most often skin-colored, but it is not uncommon for them to have some brown areas or even to be black.

The three bumps that the person in the image has correspond to basal cell carcinomas. As you can see, they are different in color and appearance.

3. A basal cell carcinoma can be FLAT or BUMPY.

The volume of basal cell carcinoma can be very different. There are so-called “nodular” forms and so-called “superficial” forms that usually appear on the chest or back.

4. A basal cell carcinoma may have a WOUND or SCAR appearance.

It is possible for basal cell carcinomas to ulcerate and thus take on the appearance of a wound (which usually does not heal on its own). It is more frequent in large ones, but we can also see some erosions in small ones.

On the other hand, there is a type of basal cell carcinoma, called sclerodermiform, which is very similar to a scar. The peculiarity is that in the area the sufferer does not remember any previous trauma and it tends to grow over time (which does not occur with scars).

In summary…

Basal cell carcinoma is a tumor that grows slowly, but it is important to detect. It can have a very varied appearance, so it is advisable to consult a dermatologist if a wound or lump grows, especially if its surface is shiny or bleeds.

The post Basal cell carcinoma: 4 features of the most common skin cancer first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.