engleski

Melanoma in dermatological practice

Melanoma is an extremely malignant skin tumor, which can occur anywhere on the skin. This paper will discuss the recent epidemiological data, prevention measures and dermoscopy, a method that was introduced in the late 20th century in routine dermatological practice as an additional step in the early diagnosis of melanoma. If the malnoma is recognized and surgically removed at an early stage, it is a curable disease. According to the latest available data, melanoma accounts for 4% of all malignant tumors in Croatia. According to the frequency, it is in the eighth place among men, and in the tenth place among women. The average age at which it is diagnosed is 53 years. Numerous studies show that women with melanoma have a better survival rate than men, which is explained by the fact that women pay more attention to their appearance, notice changes in the skin earlier and report to the doctor earlier. This confirms that early detection is a key factor in better prognosis. Unfortunately, Croatia is among the countries with the lowest survival rates, 65% for men and 76% for women (aged 15 and older). The most important environmental factor in the development of melanoma is UV radiation, especially in people at increased risk (such as immunosuppressed people, people who have a personal and / or family history of non-melanoma skin tumors or melanoma, people with multiple dysplastic moles, etc.). Therefore, it is clear that photoprotection is the main preventive measure in preventing the melanoma. No less important are the measures of self-examination of the skin (ABCDEF rule) and preventive examinations by a doctor / dermatologist. In dermatological practice dermoscopy, a non- invasive method that allows the identification of lesions most likely for melanoma, nowdays is mandatory. The development of this method, especially confocal microscopic techniques, approaches the almost histological resolution of the examination of the epidermis and papillary dermis. Nevertheless, the gold standard is still excision and histological examination of suspected pigmented lesions. Whenever possible, it is recommended to remove the suspicious lesion completely, except when it is difficult for technical or cosmetic reasons. Because SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic has greatly delayed medical visits, it is more important than ever to raise public awareness of the need for self- examination and preventive dermoscopic examinations in the early detection of melanoma (and other skin tumors).

dermoscopy ; moles ; skin tumors ; melanoma

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