The doctor talked about ways to distinguish a mole from a melanoma.

The main risk factor for melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The disease is known for its rapid development, high frequency of relapses and deaths. Vadim Maklakov, an oncologist at SM Clinic, told Izvestia on May 12 how to distinguish a dangerous tumor from a harmless mole in time and why regular skin examinations are vital.

Despite the fact that melanoma accounts for only 1-4% of all skin malignancies, its treatment is quite complex, and the prognosis depends on the stage of cancer development. According to Maklakov, the incidence of melanoma in Russia is growing rapidly: doctors identify about 12,000 new cases every year, most often in patients who like to visit tanning salons or beach vacations.

"In the majority of cases, exposure to ultraviolet radiation contributes to the development of cancer. Moreover, both UVA and UVB rays are dangerous for the body. Their negative effects are associated with suppression of immune cells (immunosuppression), weakening of the protective barrier of the skin and an increase in the risks of cancer processes," the oncologist explained.

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Skin phototype and heredity are of no small importance in the development of melanoma. People with fair skin, redheads, and blonds have a much higher risk of developing melanoma than people with dark or dark skin. As for the genetic factor, this dangerous disease can manifest itself even in children whose parents or close relatives had melanoma.

The insidiousness of melanoma is that in the initial stages it is easy to confuse it with harmless moles, says the doctor. The appearance of a new mole on the body or a change in the shape, color and texture of an old one can be the first alarm bells. Melanoma usually looks like an uneven brown spot with black spots, which can increase and darken over time.

Maklakov warned that itching, bleeding, and the appearance of a rash around a skin neoplasm are serious reasons for an urgent visit to the doctor. The longer the examination is postponed, the higher the risk of tumor metastasis to vital organs.

Melanoma is a severe cancer that is difficult to treat. However, if it is detected at an early stage, preferably when the tumor has not yet metastasized to neighboring organs: stomach and intestines, brain, genitals, the prognosis for treatment is very favorable. And in patients with metastatic melanoma, the average life expectancy is limited to a few months.

That is why the oncologist recommended regular self-examination and examination of moles on the body, as well as dermatoscopy in the clinic every three years for young people and annually for people over 50 years old.

According to the oncologist, immunotherapy has become one of the most important medical breakthroughs in recent years, thanks to which the success rate of treating patients with melanoma has significantly increased. According to Maklakov, new immunopreparations show high efficiency in the fight against various forms of melanoma due to the activation of immune killer cells, which gives many patients great hope for a cure.

Earlier, on April 12, Svetlana Petrova, a dermatologist at the Sberbank Health medical company, told Izvestia about the mandatory rules for sun protection. She explained that sunscreens should be applied 15 minutes before going outside to all exposed areas of the body: face, arms, neck and other areas not covered by clothing.