In May, two dates were dedicated to melanoma, one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer.
- May 8, 2023 (second Sunday in May) - World Melanoma Day
- May 22, 2023 - Melanoma Diagnosis Day in Ukraine
It will never be superfluous to remind you of a regular check-up of your body, in particular the importance of early diagnosis of this dangerous skin disease.
Dermatoscopy is one of the most effective methods for diagnosing melanoma. This procedure is performed using a dermatoscope and allows specialists to carefully examine your skin with high magnification, detecting even the smallest suspicious pigment spots.
Dermatoscopy is recommended once a year for prevention and in case of any changes in moles. Regular diagnosis of neoplasms gives a high chance of successful treatment and complete recovery!
Doctors often use the ILLUCO IDS-1100 polarizing dermatoscope or other models. This is a medical device for the evaluation of skin lesions, including the diagnosis of melanoma. It allows the doctor to get a detailed image of the skin surface and its structure, which is not always visible during a regular examination.
During a dermatoscope examination, the doctor may find signs that may indicate a risk of melanoma, including uneven pigment distribution, asymmetry of shape, irregular contour, and color or structure changes. These signs may indicate a potentially malignant process.
Melanoma is a malignant lesion of the skin. Every year, the number of patients with this fast-growing cancer is increasing due to damage to the ozone layer and increased solar radiation. So remember to protect your skin from excessive sunlight.
Currently, there are approximately 30,000 melanoma patients in Ukraine, and this number is growing by 3-7% annually. Early detection of the disease is key to successful treatment of melanoma. If you notice suspicious darkening of the skin, rapid growth of moles, or changes in their shape and color, you should consult a doctor.
Causes of skin melanoma:
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation - excessive exposure to sunlight or visiting a solarium.
Injury of moles by mechanical means, such as shaving, friction from clothing, or cuts.
Genetic factors that imply a hereditary predisposition to skin neoplasms.
Do not neglect your health, take care of yourself!