6 March 2019 Authors : Luísa Caldas Lopes e José Campos Lopes In recent decades, the incidence of various types of skin cancer has increased significantly. Currently, skin cancer is the most common malignancy among the European population. How and where does skin cancer develop? Skin cancer is the result of changes to the skin cells and their uncontrolled growth. The disease can occur in the most exposed areas of the body: Head; Face; Arms; Legs. It can also happen on other parts of the body, such as: Oral mucosa; Nasal mucosa; Genital mucosa. The place where the disease appears is related to the type of skin cancer. Types of skin cancer The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and spinocellular carcinoma. Together they account for about 90% of all skin cancers. Melanoma , though less common, is the most serious. It accounts for about 10% of all skin cancer cases and is responsible for more than two-thirds of skin cancer deaths, particularly when diagnosed at a late stage. Over the last 20 years, its incidence has increased substantially, with an estimated 1000 new cases per year in Portugal. Global mortality by melanoma after 5 years is around 15%. Melanoma is rarer in children and adolescents, but its incidence in the under-20 age group has increased, as it has in the general population. Melanoma may look like a common skin mole. However, it can have certain characteristics that differentiate it from common moles: It can be asymmetric; that is, one half is different from the other; It can have an irregular edge; It be various different colours; It can be more than 0.5 cm in diameter; Its size, colour and shape can change. What are the risk factors for skin cancer? There are several risk factors for the development of skin cancer, the most important of which are: Repeated exposure to sunlight; Sunburnt skin (which is due to ultraviolet radiation); Family history of skin cancer (especially in more than one direct family member); Light-coloured skin; Large amounts of skin moles (naevi) or atypical moles. Preventive measures Protection from ultraviolet radiation, whether from sunlight, UV lights or sunlamps - is an important measure to prevent the development of skin cancer. It serves both to avoid sunburn and problems resulting from repeated exposure. For the protection of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, follow this advice: Do not use sunbeds; Avoid sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the summer months; Use sunscreen on exposed areas of the skin and reapply regularly; Wear wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts and long trousers. These measures are particularly important for children and people with light skin, as they are more sensitive. It is important to remember that sunburnt skin is not immediately apparent, it develops a few hours after exposure. Usually the skin is red, hot and painful to the touch. In more severe cases, blistering and swelling may occur, among other signs and symptoms. Skin cancer: the importance of early screening and diagnosis Self-examination and routine medical check-ups are good opportunities for screening and early diagnosis. Most skin cancers are curable, as long as they are diagnosed early. The surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma and spinocellular carcinoma is generally curative. In more advanced cases, squamous cell carcinoma can develop metastases that require medical oncological treatment. Melanoma can also usually be cured if surgically treated at a very early stage. In advanced cases, with metastases, the prognosis may be more reserved. However, there are currently several new oncological therapies that have shown promising results in the treatment of advanced-stage melanoma. Remember , check your skin regularly. If you have any questions or think you may have skin cancer, see a dermatologist. M ore about the dermatology medical team at Hospital da Luz network The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
