Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, the cancer with the highest mortality! Early detection is the only guarantee for a good outcome and even complete cure. For the superficially spreading type, on average 3 to 5 years are needed from its appearance to diagnosis. Why does it take so long to detect a carcinoma that develops on an organ that is constantly before our eyes?
Every melanoma at the beginning of its development is symmetrical, has a uniform color, and is level with the skin — very similar to an ordinary mole. At this stage, it can only be detected with a dermoscope, in people who come for a check-up at a dermatologist without noticing any change in their moles — preventively, once a year, doing a skin cancer screening!
Or during opportunistic screening — you come for another skin problem, and the dermatologist checks your moles with a dermoscope!
At this stage, the chances of melanoma being in situ — so-called stage 0, when it is in the most superficial layer of the skin — are greatest and the prognosis is best!
Some patients come for an examination only when they notice one of the ABCDE signs — asymmetry, uneven borders, multiple colors, diameter over 6 mm, and evolution! At this stage, melanoma may still be in situ or in stage 1, with a thickness of up to 1 mm!
Unfortunately, people most often seek an examination when the melanoma has become palpable or shows accompanying symptoms — itching, pain, bleeding! This may still be a local melanoma with a thickness of 2 to 4 mm, or stage 2, but at this stage melanoma has penetrated deeper into the skin where blood and lymph vessels are present, and the risk of metastasis is higher.
Do not allow melanoma to develop before your eyes! The only carcinoma we can see, yet we close our eyes to it!
With just one examination, you can save a life — yours or someone you love.
Do not postpone the check of your moles. Schedule a dermoscopic examination today!
