In the diagnosis of melanoma, a biopsy is most important - ie the excision of the full thickness of the lesion (including the subcutaneous tissue) to assess the thickness of the infiltration, which makes it possible to decide on the adjuvant therapy and determine the prognosis and risk of relapse.
Surgical treatment of melanoma
The basis for the treatment of melanoma is surgical removal - by cutting it out of the skin. In advanced disease, the nearest lymph nodes are also removed.
Prevention = treatment, i.e. removal of pigmented trait
If the birthmark (mole, mouse, etc.) belongs to the so-called atypical, they can be safely removed, which definitely prevents the development of cancer. (only the scar remains). However, it is necessary to do a histopathological examination - and if the diagnosis shows that the changes were mild and have been removed, the problem is solved.
What is the best method for prophylactic removal of pigmentation marks?
The only proper method is to surgically cut them with the appropriate skin margin - so that they can then examine the mark under the microscope and assess whether the change has been removed completely. Removal of birthmarks by other methods (laser, cryosurgery, electrocoagulation) is not allowed, because it does not allow for later histopathological evaluation.
How many maximum color marks (moles) can you delete at one time?
The number of removed marks is mainly due to the location of birthmarks on the body and their size - which affects the size of the resulting wound and the amount of anesthetic that can be given to the patient during one treatment.
ANESTHESICAL EXISTENCE SHOULD BEGIN:
- from the appearance of the mark and large, asymmetric, multi-colored moles, blurred with the skin;
- stigmas and moles in places exposed to irritation: on the soles of the feet, arms, back (where the bra fits), under the breasts, on the scalp;
- shape changes, size of markings, discoloration, change of surface structure (and therefore bumps),
- redness, pruritus, bleeding
If you notice disturbing changes - you must go to a dermatologist!
Photo 1. A suspected birthmark of about 1 cm
General rules for the treatment of skin cancer
- surgical removal,
- freezing with liquid nitrogen (basal cell carcinoma),
- treatment with local cancer-destroying preparations,
- including photodynamic treatment (irradiation of the above mentioned preparations with a laser)
ed. Edward Ozga Michalski, MA
medical consultation: Dr n. med. Andrzej Szmurło
dermatologist
WE INVITE YOU IN WARSAW AND NEARBY RESIDENTS
FOR THE USE OF CZERNIAKA'S PROPHYLAXIS
Laboratory of Digital Dermatoscopy, NZOZ Prevention and Therapy Center
02-383 Warsaw, ul. Grójecka 126,
SAVINGS: tel / fax. (22) 659-46-27, tel. (22) 824-79-51
or e-mail: [email protected]
Literature
1. Practical dermatology; dermatologists: Małgorzata Opalińska, Katarzyna Prystupa, Wadim Stąpór, Wyd. Lek. PZWL 1997. 2. Sun protection during sports - internet materials provided by the Central Institute for Labor Protection - National Research Institute of CIOP-PIB
3. Hyperpigmentation pigmentation disorders as a cosmetic problem; Aneta Urbańska; New Medicine - Dermatology V notebook 120 (1/2003).
4. Sun and skin - a series of publications; dr. Catherine. med. Katarzyna Prystupa (allergist-dermatologist), Edward Ozga-Michalski, Anna Gotowiec; My health; 1997-2000
5. Genetic determinants of melanoma, Advances in Dermatology and Allergology 1/2006; Team of doctors: Urszula Brudnik, Anna Wojas-Pelc, Wojciech Branick
6.Primary malignant melanoma of the head and neck; Karolina Hydzik-Sobocińska, Marcin Sobociński; "THERAPY" No. 6 (153), JUNE 2004; Chair and Clinic of Otolaryngology at the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow; Head: prof. dr hab. med. Jacek Składzień
Recall the types of skin cancers:
- basal cell carcinoma (BCC - popular English abbreviation)
- squamous cell carcinoma (SCC - popular English abbreviation)
- skin melanoma
- other - mixed
The incidence of skin cancer is closely related to long-term sun exposure and the type of skin complexion. Therefore, stop long solar baths!
CZERNIAK SKÓRY - A MALIGNANT, NON-BREAKING CANCER
Malignant melanoma
The most dangerous skin condition that threatens our health and life is a cancer called melanoma! This malignant tumor gives early metastases to important internal organs - liver, lung and others. It develops due to uncontrolled, abnormal growth of degenerated skin pigment cells called melanocytes.
Beware of colored marks!
Unfortunately, more and more people are suffering from melanoma. For the most part, they are women, because they are more likely and harder to sunbathe - which multiplies the number of pigmented cells on their skin and enlarges the pigment stigmas. Meanwhile, the statistics say that people with more than 30-50 are more than 1/3 more likely to develop malignant melanoma! Especially if there are so-called atypical features.
Skin melanoma arises from pigmented moles?
Unfortunately yes. Melanoma of the skin usually develops from pigmented dyes, which occur practically in every human being. Such signs may be innate or acquired. Innate birthmarks, as the name suggests - exist from the moment of birth. Some are made of melanocytes - cells that produce pigment - melanin, and others are called nominal cells. New, acquired hallmarks appear throughout life and we can not protect ourselves against it.
How to recognize the risk of cutaneous melanoma?
The first warning signal should be an increase in the number of new pigmentary marks, as well as an increase or change in the color and shape of existing ones. Remember that cancer is a spot, a lump or nodule with irregular shapes and a red-brown color. It has an asymmetric shape and uneven edges. It is also subject to irregular growth. Characteristic is the patchy color of the mark, as well as the fact that it not only grows but also can bleed.
Skin melanoma also appears in a place protected from the sun!
Sometimes, under the influence of ultraviolet and other factors, cells producing pigment - melanin move to places not exposed to the sun. Therefore, melanoma-skin cancer can sometimes also appear on the instep of the foot, on the heel or on the toes of the foot.
Causes of melanoma on the skin
The main cause of this cancer are inherited skin characteristics and predispositions. Malignant melanoma of the skin develops mainly in people with fair complexion, hard tanning, with a tendency to sunburn and in people with numerous dye marks. No less important reason for this disease is the dose amounts of absorbed UV-A and UV-B radiation. In addition, the role of other factors: pathophysiological and external (eg chemical toxins from the air) is indicated.
List of factors that increase the risk of malignant melanoma:
- genetic - the inheritance of white skin complexion, colorful markings and sensitivity to the sun
- seasonal excessive tanning
- inhabiting equatorial areas with high insolation
- skin exposure to toxic chemicals (smokiness)
- weakened immunity (patients treated immunosuppresively after transplants, patients with AIDS, etc.)
