MOSCOW, May 19, Nikolay Guryanov. In Russia, the diagnosis of melanoma, one of the most dangerous types of cancer, has improved significantly. No wonder experts advise visiting a dermatologist at least once a year. It is equally important to know how to protect yourself from the disease, because in summer the risk of its occurrence increases.Melanoma is important to identify in the early stages, because it metastasizes very quickly. Pathological cells enter the blood and lymphatic vessels, spread throughout the body and create new foci, explains Nikolai Potekaev, chief freelance specialist of the Russian Ministry of Health in dermatovenereology and cosmetology.
Melanoma is often associated with nevi — moles. Indeed, a person who has a lot of them is at risk. But not everyone is dangerous.
Often people are afraid to pick a convex mole — supposedly because of this, melanoma can develop. In fact, the tumor usually occurs at the site of the so-called dysplastic nevus.
«This is a flat spot that cannot be felt by touch — you can only see it. It is very dark, non-uniform in color, with fuzzy edges — it looks like a blot. The size is from one to five millimeters,» Potekaev specifies.
Distinguish a dysplastic nevus only a specialist can treat melanoma. For this, a dermatoscope is used. It is applied with the optical part to the skin in order to examine the surface of the neoplasm, enlarged 20 times. One of the signs of a tumor is the so-called blue-white veil, a light «haze» that can be seen above the pathology with the help of the device.
The second method is histological. Sometimes, without a laboratory analysis of tissues, it is difficult to determine whether the oncological process has begun. Therefore, a suspicious element is removed, and further research confirms or refutes the diagnosis. If this is not done, there is a risk of missing the development of the disease.
Why people get sick in Australia
Susceptibility to skin cancer also depends on genetic factors. At risk are those whose close relatives have had the disease. «If you have already had melanoma before, you need to be especially careful to protect yourself from the sun, and sunbathing is out of the question,» the expert warns.
Ethnic characteristics also influence. There are six skin phototypes.
«The first one is the lightest. Its owners — often blue-eyed blondes — do not tan, but burn. This type is common among Scandinavians and Irish people,» Potekaev explains. peoples of Australia and Oceania. Black skin is rich in melanin, which acts as a protective shield by absorbing ultraviolet light. Sun cream is practically not needed for such people, the expert says.
«In Italy, melanoma is ten to fifteen times less common than in Australia. Ethnic Italians have adapted to life under the bright sun for centuries, and the homeland of kangaroos is inhabited mainly by ethnic Englishmen and British Celts — among them the first phototype is very common, which is vastly different from the phototype Australian aborigines,” says Potekaev.
In Russia, the second (in the middle lane) and third (in the south) skin types are most common. The first one is also there, but it is less.
The incidence of melanoma in Russia in 2021 was 7.84 cases per 100,000 population. For ten years, the indicator has grown by 28.5%. Largely due to improved quality of diagnostics.
«20 minutes before leaving»
Melanoma is associated with behavioral characteristics: it actively affects those who spend a lot of time relaxing in the south, as well as those who like solariums. year.
«When the sun is out and you're going for a long walk, you need to apply protective products to the skin 20 minutes before going outside — the cream should be absorbed,» says the expert.
If you are in the sun all day, for example, working in the garden, the cream should be applied repeatedly — approximately every three hours. It is recommended to visit a dermatologist at least once a year. The capital has a program for the early diagnosis and prevention of malignant skin tumors. You can get checked in the branches of the Moscow Center for Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology DZM.