Melanoma Skin Cancer

Cutaneous melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in melanocytes (cells that produce melanin, the substance that determines skin color) and has a predominance of white adults. Although skin cancer is the most common in Brazil and corresponds to 25% of all malignant tumors registered in the country, melanoma accounts for only 4% of the malignant neoplasms of the body, despite being the worst due to its high chance of metastasis .

The prognosis of this cancer can be considered good if detected in the early stages. In recent years, there has been great improvement in survival of patients with melanoma, primarily due to early detection of the tumor.
Treatment
Surgery is the best treatment. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy may also be used depending on the stage of the cancer. When there is metastasis (cancer has spread to other organs), melanoma is incurable in most cases. The treatment strategy for advanced disease should then aim to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life of the patient.
Prevention
Like other types of skin cancer, melanoma can be prevented by avoiding exposure to the sun at the time of 10h to 16h, when the rays are more intense, since the biggest risk factor for its emergence is sensitivity to sunlight (sunburn and not tanning). Even at other times it is recommended to use protection such as a hat, umbrella, sunglasses and sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.

Other risk factors include: clear skin, excessive sun exposure, a history of skin cancer, family history of melanoma, congenital nevus (painted black), maturity (after age 15 the propensity for this type of cancer increases), xeroderma pigmentosum (congenital disorder characterized by intolerance total skin in the sun, with external burns, chronic injuries and multiple tumors) and dysplastic nevi (dark skin lesions with precancerous cell changes).