Skin cancer cases have increased by 40% in the last four years and now account for 8% of all diagnosed tumors, according to the Cancer Association. The Spanish Academy of Dermatology estimates that by 2040 the melanoma, the most aggressive and with the worst prognosis of skin cancers, will become the second tumor in global incidence and the first in menin front of the colon and lung.
In the Community, the rate is 12.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with an average age of 65 years in men and 64 in women, although the College of Nursing points out that from the age of 40, the population should pay special attention to the diagnosis since they may have already damaged their skin; they have to Be attentive to signs of early disease.
Melanoma: this way you can detect in time the most aggressive cancer that continues to increase in Spain
Melanoma originates in the melanocytes, cells that produce the pigment melanin responsible for skin color. Although it is less common than other types of skin cancer, it is much more dangerous due to its ability to spread to other parts of the body, that is, to produce metastases, although, as doctors indicate, More than 80% of this type of cancer is curable as long as it is detected in time.
Despite the severity of melanoma, the most common type of skin tumor is still basal cell carcinoma, which represents 80% of the cases. It develops in cells located in the deepest layer of the epidermis. It usually appears as a small shiny bump on the skin, often on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, and hands. It can also be presented as a non-healing sore, red patch, or scar.
Melanoma: Do you know the ABCDE rule to detect this skin cancer early?
Metastasis
This carcinoma does not have metastatic capacity by not spreading its cells to vital organs such as the brain, liver or kidney, which means that survival is practically 100% when enough skin is controlled and removed, as explained by dermatologist Carlos Guillem, who recommends a dermatological review. annually to detect the tumor at an early stage.
We can find up to more than 100 types of skin cancer. “Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are the most common, in that order,” he explains. the Dr. Lisset Sardáhead of Quirónsalud Dermatology Service Alicante.
Now, thanks to teledermatology, health specialists already offer early diagnosis in both private and public healthcare, allowing skin cancer to be detected within 24 to 48 hours. The Ministry of Health is promoting this technique and the Dermatologists in Alicante hospitals have gaps in their agendas to attend to suspected cases of melanoma and surgical intervention to remove the lesions. injuries has absolute priority.
Neither wart nor mosquito bite: it is skin cancer, with a poor prognosis and very aggressive
Virtual consultations
Hospitals and health centers in the province are progressively implementing these virtual telemedicine consultations that allow Send images of the skin to the specialist in two minutes for evaluation. Thus, in the event that the doctors detect an injury suspicious of being a melanoma Immediately refer the patient to the hospital.
“No one should die from melanoma” because it is “easily visible, no extraordinary test is necessary, simply that someone looks at it with certain critical eyes to see when that mole could be bad and remove it in a few minutes”
Carlos Guillem. Dermatologist
Within the main melanoma symptoms We find changes in the size, shape or color of a mole, the appearance of a new growth on the skin, the sensation of itching, pain or bleeding from a mole, signs that must be brought to the attention of specialists as soon as possible.
Dr. Guillem advises “self-exploration” at home to be able to detect the first symptoms because, he affirms, “no one should die from melanoma” because it is “easily visible, no extraordinary test is needed, simply for someone to see it with certain critical eyes to see when that mole could be bad and remove it in a few minutes.
Health promotes teledermatology to detect skin cancer in 24 hours
Risk factor’s
In relation to the behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing melanoma, Dermatologists point out that sunburns during childhood and adolescence are the most linked to melanoma. Furthermore, people who use ultraviolet tanning booths They have a 20 times greater risk of developing this type of cancer throughout their life.
It is also important to recognize the skin phototype to avoid sunburn.”The lighter the color of the skin, hair and eyes of the patients, the less ability they have to defend themselves from the sun. ultraviolet radiation and develop melanoma more easily, with red-haired individuals being the most at risk. On the other handthose who have already suffered a melanoma are more susceptible to suffering a second (between 2% and 10%)as well as their immediate family members, who must follow strict control,” highlights Dr. Sardá.
“Patients who already have melanoma are more sensitive to suffering a second, as are the direct relatives of said patients, who must follow strict control”
Dr. Lisset Sardá. Head of the Dermatology Service at Quirónsalud Alicante
Second melanoma
Not only that. Between 30% and 50% of those who have faced non-melanoma skin cancer are likely to develop another one within 5 years. These statistics underline, according to dermatologists, the importance of adequate dermatological follow-up for those who have overcome skin cancer.
To detect it, specialists advise follow the ABCDE rulesacronym that refers to the asymmetry of this type of lesions, irregular edges, heterogeneous color and diameter greater than six millimeters, although the most important is E, its evolution: any change in a mole must be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Early diagnostic
As in public healthcare, in private healthcare a short period of time elapses between the consultation and the specialist’s diagnosis, which allows a case to be addressed as soon as possible before the suspected malignancy and treat it to ensure a higher cure rate. The specialist will take images using dermoscopic technology and send them to the dermatologist, who will issue his diagnosis in less than 48 hours.
In the case of Quirónsalud in both Alicante and Torrevieja, the patient is treated in a first initial consultation with healthcare personnel trained in dermoscopic techniques which includes a report about the skin lesions and their evolution, as well as important data such as history, risk factors, etc.
In case of doubt or suspicion of malignancy, the patient will be contacted as a priority and You will be offered an in-person appointment in less than two daysin which the specialist will explain your case and the procedure to follow.
College of Nursing
Given these data, the Alicante Nursing College highlights the crucial role of prevention in the fight against cancer and recognizes the work of professionals who treat those who face this disease. To prevent it, nurses recommend limiting solar radiation and do not sunbathe between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon, apply sunscreen indicated for each skin type, and put on sunglasses, a hat and appropriate clothing. The entity also recommends performing monthly self-examinations of the skin to detect changes in moles, spots or possible lesions, and consulting regularly with a nursing professional.