Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer and it can develop anywhere in the body. Early diagnosis and early intervention are essential, but unfortunately, very often, melanoma is detected at an advanced stage, with a decrease in the chances of recovery.
It is important to undergo periodic checks, as Professor Antonio Costanzo, Head of Dermatology at Humanitas, points out in a recent interview.
“Beginning from adolescence, once a year, all moles present from birth and ones that are formed with age must be checked, from which a large part of melanomas develops. When you notice that a neophyte undergoes changes in shape and/or color, has jagged margins, grows rapidly or faces brown spots on the skin or genital mucous membranes that you have never noticed, you should go immediately to a dermatologist, who will easily identify forms of melanoma or other dangerous lesions even at a very early stage.
The importance of prevention
The incidence of melanoma is related to sunburn, which is why it is important to expose yourself to the sun with caution, using protective products depending on your skin type, with particular attention to children and teenagers.
“It is scientifically established that sunburn during childhood and adolescence predisposes to the development of skin melanoma.
It is therefore recommended that children be exposed to the summer sun with great caution, both at sea and in the mountains. Children under one year of age should wear a white t-shirt to protect their skin on the back and chest. There are also colored creams with a total sunscreen protection available on the market for children. The color of the sun is usually very light and is aimed at avoiding the “white” effect created by titanium dioxide, one of the main shielding factors of the sun creams of children”.
Other prevention rules include: avoiding exposure to the sun at central times of the day and avoiding artificial tanning from lamps, sunbeds and sun showers.
