Melanoma

According to statistics, melanoma is the second leading cause of death in the world after lung cancer. Melanoma can develop both from a nevus (mole) and from unchanged skin in appearance. The main reasons for the development of melanoma are genetic predisposition to this disease and excessive exposure to the sun.

Causes of occurrence

It is believed that the risk of developing melanoma in people who have been sunburned more than three times in their lifetime increases several times. There are cases when melanoma was diagnosed in several members of the same family. A high risk of developing melanoma in people with multiple nevi, which have a high ability to degenerate into this tumor. How to distinguish a benign nevus from one that can turn into melanoma, or from melanoma itself? Unfortunately, even dermatologists and oncologists cannot do this. Such a diagnosis requires not only the knowledge of a doctor, but also special equipment (dermatoscopes, microscopes, etc.).

Even the patient himself can suspect a melanoma or nevus that is regenerating. For this, it is necessary to evaluate several parameters of the nevus. The first thing the patient should pay attention to is the sharp growth of the neoplasm and changes in color. Bright colors or variegated colors should be alarming. Melanoma and "suspicious" nevi are also characterized by asymmetry, that is, an irregular shape. Since the prognosis of the disease depends on the stage at which melanoma is detected, we recommend that you consult a doctor at the slightest suspicion. Prevention of melanoma consists in proper protection of the skin from the sun and periodic control and/or removal of "suspicious" nevi.

Treatment of melanoma

Treatment of melanoma is urgent surgical excision of the tumor. Unfortunately, in the late stages of the disease, treatment does not produce an effect. To date, hundreds of scientific studies are aimed at inventing new methods of treating melanoma. However, none of them have yet shown even satisfactory results. Melanoma that is diagnosed and removed in time is the only way to protect yourself from the worst consequences. Thanks to dermatoscopy, our specialists can detect the transformation of nevi into melanoma. In this case, you will immediately be given the broadest recommendations for its urgent removal in oncology clinics in Lviv, Ukraine or Europe. Remember, a day without proper treatment can be a life.