Preventive measures to prevent the formation of melanoma. Clinic and diagnosis of melanoma. Genetic counseling and testing

Melanoma is a malignant tumor that affects the skin. The neoplasm originates from melanocytes - pigment cells that, under the influence of unfavorable environmental factors or internal failure of the body, turn into cancer cells. If there are a large number of moles on the body, early prevention of melanoma is necessary to prevent the development of the pathological process.

Skin cancer has many differences from other serious diagnoses. Signs indicating the presence of a tumor process:

• tumor development occurs quickly and gives numerous metastases throughout the body;
• there is no hair in the areas of neoplasms. Take a closer look at moles, freckles and birthmarks; if hair grows in this place, then there is no need to worry;
• has unclear boundaries, exceeds 5-6 mm in size;
• in women, melanoblastoma more often affects the lower extremities, and in men it affects the upper torso;
• pigment spots have an unusual intense color. The mole can range from an unnatural brown color to the appearance of black spots;
• melanoma usually has small elevations above the surface of the skin;
• Various violations of the integrity and structure of the tumor focus may occur;
• the patient often feels tingling, burning, and irritation around the affected area.

Melanoblastoma may not be pigmented, but “colorless” areas do not give a reason not to pay attention to them.

One of the varieties is uveal melanoma, which affects the mucous membrane of the eyes, retina, and iris. This type is not as common as skin cancer, but it is the most common of all types of tumors.

Risk factors

Various factors of exogenous and endogenous origin can provoke the development of melanoma.
Exogenous:

• a large number of ultraviolet rays. Prolonged exposure to the sun for a person who has pigmented areas can cause unpredictable changes in the skin cells;
• traumatic factor. Small scratches that affect the pathological area can provoke intensive development of the formation.

Endogenous causes include disruption of the endocrine system, that is, the functioning of the thyroid gland and its production of thyroid hormones in greater or lesser quantities.

People with white skin, blond or red hair, and light eye color are more susceptible to melanoma. But such statistics do not mean that other types of people are completely safe from this disease.

Prevention of development

It is possible to eliminate melanoma in the early stages of development, and in more serious cases. The pre-melanoma period lends itself well to prevention. At this stage, you can do without powerful drugs and intensive therapy, and the success rate of treatment is 95%.

Prevention for skin melanoma is necessary for people at risk. You should consult a doctor; self-treatment is extremely dangerous.

1. Control your time in the sun; it should not exceed 15-20 minutes on the hottest days. If you are forced to spend more time under UV rays, then try to hide all vulnerable areas of the skin. The use of a protective cream should be mandatory; you should choose a product with SPF of at least 15.
2. It is forbidden to remove a mole or spot yourself - this is a sure step towards acquiring skin cancer.
3. Do not resort to the use of traditional methods of treatment. Ignore advice on cauterization with irritating substances and plants.
4. Avoid going to the solarium in the winter.
5. Avoid mechanical impact on potential tumor sites. A slight blow or powerful pressure of water, the damage from which will not be visually noticeable, can become an activator of processes at the cellular level.
6. Review your daily diet and follow a diet that excludes the consumption of carcinogenic foods that disrupt the functioning of the thyroid gland.

How to protect yourself from the disease

Many people who are diagnosed with melanoma do not feel any changes in their health. Obvious deviations appear only at the third stage: hyperemia of the tumor area, hair loss, and, in extreme cases, bleeding from moles.

Routine diagnostics should be carried out by a dermatologist and oncologist at regular intervals. semiannually. Preventive examination is necessary for people who have overcome the disease in order to avoid secondary development of the process.

Medical detection of melanoma has an extensive list of procedures: cytological examination of smears, palpation and ultrasound of lymph nodes, excisional biopsy. Specialists take into account the ability to metastasize and additionally evaluate the condition of other organs and their systems.

Treatment of advanced stages of the process is carried out surgically, radiation (used in the presence of foci of inflammation in various places of the body), chemo-immunotherapy, and OGT. Drugs from the pharmacy are effective only in the first stages.

The skin prevents disease and helps to detect tumor symptoms in advance. If you consult a doctor on time, treatment is successful in 95% of cases.

The formation of tumors on the skin is caused by the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. Avoiding sunbathing will help prevent cancer when the sun is most active - from 11.00 to 16.00. On the beach, an umbrella or canopy will protect you from radiation. In the summer you can’t refuse to wear hats and caps. The shade of a hat will protect your face.

The sensitive area around the eyes and lips is most vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. During the day you should not go outside without sunglasses. Polycarbonate lenses prevent the penetration of sunlight in a way that glass lenses do not. Lip balm with SPF of at least 30 will protect your lips. It is recommended to renew the coating every 2 hours.

People with fair skin and hair are at high risk of developing melanoma. They should give up tanning. Tanning is not contraindicated for dark-skinned people, provided the time limits are respected. It is dangerous to be in the sun for more than 150 minutes.

To prevent melanoma, it is important to use sunscreen. It prevents UVA and UVB rays from reaching the surface of the epidermis. A protection factor of 15 to 60 reduces the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation by 93–98%. The effect of the cream lasts for 2.5 hours. After this time, as well as after contact with water, the coating must be renewed.

A leaflet on the prevention of skin cancer informs about the need for protection from ultraviolet radiation and avoiding solariums. Researchers from the UK have proven its harm:

• the risk of melanoma increases by 22%;
• the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma increases by 78%;
• the protective functions of the epidermis are reduced;
• early photoaging occurs.

Covered clothing will protect your body from the sun. Short shorts will be replaced by light trousers, and a T-shirt by a loose-fitting tunic.

The risk of developing cancer is reduced with regular consumption of spices, leafy greens, fiber and seaweed. The diet should contain polyunsaturated fats found in olives, seeds, and peanuts. Selenium, which is rich in turkey and chicken, seafood, and cheese, has an antitumor effect. Cruciferous vegetables prevent the accumulation of carcinogens:

• broccoli;
• Brussels sprouts;
• kohlrabi;
• turnip;
• horseradish;
• radish.

Swiss researchers associate the formation of melanoma with reduced immunity. Sports, walking in the fresh air, sound sleep and minimizing stress help increase the body's immune defense.

Prevention of malignant skin tumors will not bring results if there is a lack of vitamin A and omega-3. These beneficial microelements are found in salmon liver, egg yolks and dairy products.

Danger of carcinogens

Accumulating in the human body, carcinogens transform healthy cells into malignant ones, which leads to the formation of a tumor. Ordinary people absorb carcinogenic agents through tobacco smoke, smoked food, vegetables and fruits treated with pesticides.

The high-risk group includes workers in hazardous industries such as oil refining, agriculture, and metal mining. They are exposed to:

• Dioxide;
• Nitrates;
• Lead;
• Mercury;
• Arsenic.

When working with hazardous substances, it is important to observe good personal hygiene. To maintain healthy skin, it is recommended to eat only environmentally friendly products that have passed the control of Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision. Water purification should not be neglected.

The development of skin cancer is indicated by progressive changes concentrated in one area. Upon examination, a person notices local symptoms:

• a wound that does not heal for 1–2 weeks or more;
• a changed shape or darkened mole;
• growing pigment spot.

Preventing skin cancer involves regular self-diagnosis. It is important to monitor the appearance of new birthmarks, age spots, and nevi. Existing moles are at risk of malignancy. You should consult a doctor if lumpiness, hair, blood, or ichor appears in the area of ​​the nevus. Itching, pain, and peeling are reasons for caution.

The entire surface of the body is subject to examination, not excluding the scalp, mouth and nose, where neoplasms also occur. Moles in areas of friction, such as cuffs or collars, are recommended to be removed. With mechanical damage, the threat of tumor increases.

Skin cancer treatment

Surgical excision of the tumor is performed under general anesthesia. The likelihood of relapse after surgery is low, but there is a risk of complications. In case of bleeding disorders, surgery is contraindicated. Cryodestruction is recommended for such patients. This technique is based on converting the tumor into ice under the influence of nitrogen. Cancer cells are rejected, which leads to their death. The procedure is performed without incisions under local anesthesia. However, the likelihood of the disease returning is high.

For the treatment of skin tumors, the coagulation method is effective, when the affected tissues are subjected to curettage - scraping. Then the operating area is cauterized with high-frequency current.
During surgery, radiation therapy is additionally performed. Cancer cells are exposed to ionized radiation, which does not affect healthy tissue.

Zelboraf

Zelboraf is available in the form of film-coated tablets. The active ingredient in the composition is vemurafenib. The drug is an inhibitor of serine-threonine kinase, mutations of which lead to the activation of an oncogenic protein. It is effective in the treatment of metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V60 mutation that is not amenable to surgery. The therapeutic dose is 1920 mg per day. Zelboraf should not be taken by pregnant women, children, or patients with kidney or liver failure.

Cisplatin

The concentrate for preparing the Cisplatin solution contains platinum, a heavy metal that has an antitumor effect in melanoma. The solution is injected into a vein at a dose of 50–120 mg once a month. The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy, hearing impairment, hematopoiesis and kidney function.

Prevention of the disease involves early self-diagnosis of cancer symptoms. To prevent pigmentation, papillomas and suspicious moles, herbal medicine is recommended in folk medicine. Regular use of castor oil reduces the risk of developing cancer. The result is achieved by rubbing it into the skin daily for 10 minutes. The full course is 3 months.

Infusion of celandine

An infusion of celandine prevents the occurrence of skin tumors. It eliminates:

• pain;
• dark spots;
• nevi
• warts

To prepare the infusion, pour 5g of dried herb into a glass of boiled water and then heat it in a water bath for 15–20 minutes. The chilled decoction is consumed 3 times a day before meals in a volume of 2 tbsp.

An alcohol tincture for a tumor consists of 100g of crushed celandine roots and 500 ml of vodka. After 2 weeks spent in a dark place, it is ready for use. Every day, 3-5 drops of liquid are dripped onto the tongue after eating.

Celandine juice can be applied to the affected areas in its pure form or an ointment can be prepared by adding Vaseline. Applications are applied 3–5 times a day. Prevention of skin cancer with celandine lasts 1 month. If necessary, the course is repeated after 1 week.

Fireweed tea

Prevention of malignant skin tumors is carried out with fireweed or fireweed. Its leaves contain substances that have an antitumor effect:

• flavonoids;
• coumarin;
• anthocyanins;
• tannins;
• Hanerol.

To prevent cancer, tea is drunk daily without a precise dosage. Fireweed leaves are fermented to make tea. They are twisted into bundles and left for 8 hours under a wet towel in a dark place. Afterwards, the bundles are crushed and dried at 50° in the oven.

Blooming Sally

A decoction of fireweed flowers prevents the development of skin cancer by removing carcinogens from the body. To prepare it, 1 tbsp. flowers are poured with 300 ml of boiling water, and then left for 2 hours under the lid. 100 ml of the drink is consumed 2 times a day.

Herbal medicine is contraindicated in case of an allergic reaction to plant components. Herbs should be taken with caution in case of impaired digestion, liver and kidney diseases.

Colchicum ointment contains organic acids and colchicine, which prevent the appearance of tumors on the skin. It is made from pharmaceutical and natural ingredients:

• 0.5 g of dried grass tubers powder;
• 20–25g emulsifier;
• 0.10 g thymol;
• 0.5 g chloramphenicol;
• 5ml alcohol;
• 70ml water.

A cream consisting of propolis and lard in equal proportions protects the skin from carcinogens. To obtain a homogeneous mass, the components are heated in a water bath. After hardening, the mixture is stored in the refrigerator.

To prepare a medicinal balm, add honey to 0.5 liters of viburnum juice until a thick consistency is obtained. An ointment made from crushed hop cones and chamomile flowers with pork fat strengthens the skin's immunity, increasing its ability to resist cancer.

The active substance of one-component ointments is juice from plant leaves:

• chickweed;
• fig tree;
• mistletoe;
• Tatarnik;
• maclures.

Plant juice, when added with Vaseline, acquires the consistency of a cream that restores damaged skin and reduces the risk of cancer. Prevention of skin cancer with ointments lasts 1 month. The frequency of applications is 1–2 times a day.

Compositions made from herbal ingredients should not be used if you have allergies. Also contraindications include dermatitis and infectious inflammation of the skin.

Prevention of melanoma and skin cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of malignant tumors, affecting men and women equally, mainly over the age of 50, usually on exposed areas of the body. The incidence of skin cancer is about 5% of the total cancer incidence.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor (cancer) that originates from epithelial cells of the skin. Melanoma is the most aggressive of all known malignant tumors; it quickly forms metastases, after which it is considered practically incurable. At the same time, it is easier to prevent the development of melanoma than other types of cancer. To do this, you just need to carefully monitor moles and age spots on the skin and know what signs you can use to identify melanoma.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a particularly aggressive type of skin cancer. Typically, melanoma originates from skin cells that produce the pigment that colors tanned skin, birthmarks, or freckles. These cells are called melanocytes, hence the name melanoma.

The incidence of melanoma is about 8 cases per 100 thousand population among men and about 12 cases per 100 thousand population among women. Unlike other forms of cancer (malignant diseases), melanoma most often affects young people (15-40 years old).

In the structure of mortality from cancer among women, melanoma ranks second (in first place is cervical cancer), and among men - sixth (after lung cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer).

Why is melanoma dangerous?

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of cancer known today. This tumor quickly metastasizes (even at very small sizes) which within a few months can affect the main vital organs (brain, lungs, bones). Once metastases are detected, melanoma is considered virtually incurable.

Where does melanoma come from?

As we said above, the source of melanoma development are pigment cells that synthesize the biological pigment melanin, which colors the skin and age spots on the skin. There are a lot of such cells (melanocytes) in birthmarks, freckles, and nevi. For early diagnosis of melanoma, it is very important to know the characteristics of the structure and all pigment formations of the skin. Very often, when visiting a doctor, it turns out that the patient does not know what a healthy mole should look like and how it differs from an atypical nevus or a malignant melanoma tumor. Below we give brief descriptions of skin pigment formations:

Freckles- pigment spots of small size, usually round or oval in shape, not protruding above the surface of the skin. Most often, freckles cover the skin of the face, but they can appear on almost the entire surface of the skin. Freckles fade in winter and reappear in spring and summer.

Moles(birthmarks, nevi) - medium-sized pigmented formations (up to 1 cm in diameter), usually dark and evenly colored; however, lightly colored flesh-colored moles are also found. The surface of the mole may only rise slightly above the surface of the skin. The edges of moles are smooth.

Atypical nevi- large pigmented skin formations with uneven edges and uneven coloring. Some atypical nevi can be considered precancerous formations.

Malignant melanoma- a pigmented skin formation that arises from moles or on “clean skin” with uneven edges, a bumpy surface, and uneven color of varying intensity. The edges of melanoma are often surrounded by an inflammatory rim (bright red stripe).

By what signs can you distinguish melanoma?

Nowadays, to diagnose melanoma, as a form of skin cancer, a number of criteria are used that make it possible to distinguish melanoma from other pigmented skin formations or from benign skin tumors.

The main signs that distinguish melanoma are:

1. Rapid growth of a new mole or the beginning of rapid growth of an old mole that has remained unchanged until now.

2. A change in the contour line of an old mole (uneven, broken edges) or the appearance of a new mole with fuzzy edges.

3. Uneven coloring (various shades of brown, black blotches, colorless areas) of a new fast-growing mole, or the appearance of these signs in an old mole.

Additional signs for diagnosing melanoma are:

• An increase in the size of the mole is more than 7 mm;
• The appearance of a zone of inflammation along the edges of pigmented skin formations;
• Bleeding and itching of pigmented skin formations.

When diagnosing melanoma, it is important to take into account the fact that in men this tumor is most often located on the back, and in women on the lower leg. Regardless, all areas of the skin should be checked, including the scalp and nail beds (melanoma may appear as a black spot under the nail).

If these signs are detected, you should immediately consult a dermatologist. The earlier melanoma is detected, the greater the chance of successful treatment.

What types of melanoma are there?

Who is at risk of getting melanoma?

There is now a proven connection between various types of skin cancer and solar radiation. This principle also applies to melanoma. Solar radiation is the main cause of the development of this type of tumor.

In some people, however, the sensitivity of the skin to solar radiation is higher due to the presence of certain predisposing factors: a large number of freckles on the body, the presence of benign skin tumors, the presence of atypical nevi, light skin sensitive to the sun, working in open sunlight.

How to protect yourself from melanoma?

Because melanoma is extremely dangerous, people who are at high risk of developing the disease (such as people who spend a lot of time outdoors) are advised to take certain precautions to prevent melanoma and other skin cancers.

To protect yourself from skin cancer:

• Try to limit your time in the sun as much as possible, especially during lunch hours.
• If sun exposure is unavoidable, protect exposed skin from direct sunlight: wear a long-sleeved T-shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, and pants.
• When exposed to direct sunlight, be sure to use sunscreen. The protection factor of the cream must be at least 15.
• Learn all the major and minor signs of melanoma and, if possible, discuss them with your doctor. Make sure you know exactly what melanoma can look like and how to distinguish it from a regular mole.
• Check the entire surface of your skin regularly. Your back and scalp should be examined by a friend or relative.
• Consult a doctor if you notice any skin element that makes you suspicious.

Melanoma and other skin cancers

In addition to melanoma, there are other types of skin cancer (squamous cell skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma), however, unlike melanoma, they are much less aggressive and are more treatable.

Basalioma or squamous cell skin cancer appear in the form of a long-term non-healing crack or wound, which is usually located on the face, neck, or on the back of the hand.

Any of the following factors may increase your risk of developing skin cancer:

• Fair skin, blue or green eyes, blond, red or light brown hair, and freckled skin that is easily irritated by the sun
• A large number of sunburns in the past
• Family history of skin cancer
• Accommodation or holidays in sunny climates or high mountains
• History of treatment for skin cancer or precancerous skin lesions
• Intense or prolonged exposure to sunlight
• A large number of moles
• Having compromised immunity (for example, in people with HIV/AIDS or in people who have had an organ transplant)

Be especially careful with children and adolescents, as behavior during childhood and adolescence may determine the likelihood of developing skin cancer in later years.

Risk factors (for both melanoma and other skin cancers).

The main risk factor for melanoma is solar exposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation (possibly radiation from a solarium, etc.).

Ionizing radiation.

Products of processing coal tar, arsenic, etc.

Chronic thermal effects.

Groups with increased cancer risk (both for melanoma and other skin cancers).

People with white skin, red hair, blue, gray and green eyes. In short, all those who get badly sunburned.

People who have suffered sunburn and prolonged exposure to the sun under the age of 20 years.

People who have close relatives with melanoma (another skin cancer).

People who have more than 100 moles on the body, or more than 50 if the person is under 20 years old.

Persons with trophic ulcers, burns, scars, especially in flexion areas.

Elderly people with senile keratosis (yellowish-brown spots with a rough surface, sometimes protruding above the surface).

With precancerous skin diseases (such as congenital xeroderma pigmentosum, Paget's disease, Bowen's disease, cutaneous horn, etc.

Melanoma and skin cancers: Prevention.

Limiting exposure to sunlight.

Use protective creams (preferably with demitikon and SPF greater than 70), white clothes and wide-brimmed hats.

Timely treatment of trophic ulcers and precancerous skin diseases.

Avoiding skin exposure to harmful substances.

Regular skin examination, but special attention to moles.

People with risk factors should have an annual examination by a specialist.

Regularly inspect all moles on your body, paying attention to the following characteristics:

Asymmetry - one half of the mole does not correspond to the other;

Irregular borders - the borders are uneven, with indentations;

The color of the mole is uneven, there are areas of red, brown, black, even blue and white;

The diameter exceeds 6 millimeters.

Pain, itching, bleeding, ulceration, the appearance of spots near the mole, etc. are also possible.

Throughout the planet, both the incidence and mortality from skin cancer have increased significantly over the past decade. About a third of all cancer pathologies are skin cancer. The development of this disease is significantly influenced by a number of reasons.

Risk factors

• ultraviolet radiation;
• chemical carcinogens (petroleum products, soot, nicotine tar);
• ionizing radiation;
• chronic long-term non-healing ulcers;
• precancerous conditions (solar keratosis, xeroderma pigmentosum, leukoplakia);
• heredity.

Older people are more susceptible to skin cancer because with age a number of immune and genetic disorders occur that prevent the body from coping with abnormal (malignant) cells.

Ultraviolet radiation increases the likelihood of developing tumors depending on the light type of a person’s skin, of which there are six:

• 1st – freckles, blue eyes, blond hair and white skin;
• 2nd – skin without freckles that does not tan well;
• 3rd – brown eyes, dark hair and well-tanned skin;
• 4th – Mediterranean skin (dark);
• 5th – very dark skin (Indians);
• 6th – African type (black skin).

It is believed that under the influence of sunlight, skin cancer develops more often in people with skin types 1 and 2.

How to protect yourself

Prevention of skin cancer includes timely diagnosis and treatment of precancerous conditions, treatment of long-term non-healing ulcers, constant monitoring of changes in the skin and preventive examinations by a dermatologist. When working with hazardous substances that can cause cancer, care should be taken to protect the skin from contact with these products.

Sun protection plays an important role in preventing skin cancer. To prevent the negative effects of ultraviolet rays, the following methods are used:

• protect the body with clothing, and the face and neck with a wide-brimmed hat;
• using sunscreens with a high level of protection and applying them not only to the face, but also to the entire body and hands. The protection should be applied in a thin layer at least 15 minutes before going outside, avoiding missing areas of the skin. After swimming in the sea or pond, you need to reapply the cream, even if it is presented as water-repellent;
• Avoid being under the scorching sun from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Prevention of melanoma

Solar radiation plays a big role in the development of the most dangerous species.

This tumor is very aggressive, grows quickly and metastasizes to regional lymph nodes and internal organs.

When a suspicious mole is found, it is assessed using the ABCD system:

A – Asymmetry – you should be wary if one half of the mole differs from the other, for example, in size. In a normal healthy mole, each half is a mirror image of the other.

B – Edge – the appearance of uneven, ragged borders raises suspicion of melanoma.

C - Color - usually moles are evenly colored, light brown. Increased pigmentation, the appearance of intense brown, blue or black colors is an unfavorable sign.

D – Diameter – a mole that turns into melanoma quickly increases in size.

Also, normally, a mole should not bleed, ulcerate, or crust over.

If any changes are detected on the skin, you should immediately contact an oncodermatologist. Only careful attention to your own health and compliance with preventive measures will help protect against skin cancer.

Some activities can help reduce the risk of developing melanoma, but it can't always be prevented.

Avoid exposure to UV rays

Protecting your skin from UV exposure is the best way to reduce your risk of developing melanoma. There are four main ways to help limit your exposure to UV radiation:

Headdress
Sunglasses to protect your eyes and sensitive skin around them
Cloth
Sunscreens

Wearing hats

Regular caps and baseball caps do not cover the ears and neck, areas where melanoma often develops. Straw hats provide less protection than hats made of thick fabric.

The best option is a hat with a brim of about 5-8 cm. It protects the skin on the ears, forehead, nose, eyelids and scalp.

Sunglasses

Large sunglasses with lenses that absorb at least 99% of UV rays provide the best protection for your eyes and the skin around them. When buying glasses, you need to pay attention to labels with inscriptions that the glasses absorb UV at a wavelength of up to 400 nm. This means that the glasses block at least 99% of UV rays.

Skin protection with clothing

Clothing provides varying levels of skin protection. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts are the best option. Dark and dense fabric protects the skin better from sun rays. It must be borne in mind that if sunlight is visible through the fabric, then UV rays also pass through it. Dry clothing, compared to wet clothing, provides a greater degree of protection.

Special lightweight clothing is now being produced that protects against UV radiation even when wet. On such clothing there is a label indicating the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). The higher the UPF value (on a scale from 15 to 50+), the higher the degree of protection against UV rays.

Sunscreen cosmetics

During periods of strong solar activity, that is, from 10.00 to 16.00, to protect the skin from the sun, it is necessary to use special products and lip balms. Most medical organizations recommend using products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

Prolonged exposure to the sun increases the likelihood of melanoma, despite preventive measures. Sunscreens are not guaranteed to reduce the harmful effects of UV rays 100%. But their effect reduces the risk of developing melanoma.

Staying in the Shadows

Another way to avoid harmful UV exposure is to limit your time in the sun. This is very important in the middle of the day, between 10.00 and 16.00, when UV radiation is most active.

It must be remembered that sunlight and UV rays can pass through light clouds, can penetrate water, and are reflected from water, sand, asphalt and snow.

Solar lamps

Most dermatologists and medical organizations do not recommend using tanning beds and solar lamps. UV radiation in tanning beds is not at all harmless, as the lamps emit UVA and UVB rays, and can lead to the development of cancer.

Protecting children from the sun

Since children spend a lot of time in the sun and get sunburned easily, children's skin requires special attention. Older children, because they are more independent from adults, need to be taught about the dangers of sunlight. It is important to cover your child's skin with protective products as thoroughly as possible.

Children under 6 months should not be exposed to the sun. Their skin needs to be protected with clothing and hats.

Vitamin D and sun

Vitamin D is very important for health. It is formed in the skin when exposed to sunlight. The amount of vitamin produced depends on many factors, including age, natural skin tone, etc.

It is better to get vitamin D from food or multivitamins and supplements than from sunbathing. This does not increase the risk of developing melanoma, but only ensures that the body receives a sufficient amount of vitamin D.

Removal of pathological formations and observation of nevi

Some nevi increase the risk of developing melanoma. If there are certain signs that indicate the possibility of malignancy, the doctor may order regular monitoring of their behavior or recommend surgical removal.

Prophylactic removal of nevi is not recommended to prevent degeneration into melanoma. Because in most cases this does not happen. If you have a large number of moles, monthly self-examination of the skin condition and regular monitoring by a dermatologist are recommended.

Genetic testing

Gene mutations that increase the risk of developing melanoma can be passed on from generation to generation. This is very rare in melanoma. An inherited genetic mutation is considered possible if:

The presence of several foci of melanoma in any of the relatives
Simultaneous presence of melanoma and pancreatic cancer in any of the relatives
The presence of melanoma in several family members on the same line
The presence of several foci of melanoma in the patient himself

The CDKN2A gene mutation (p16) is observed in families with a high incidence of melanoma. If a person is interested in discovering genetic mutations associated with the development of melanoma, he should consider participating in clinical trials devoted to this issue.

It is important to understand whether the study results will help determine your risk of developing melanoma before undergoing genetic testing. Analysis results do not always provide accurate answers. Therefore, before the study, it is necessary to consult a geneticist. He will determine the need for this study.

Because the value of the results obtained is unknown after the test, many experts do not recommend genetic testing. But many people decide to explore. If you have a family history of melanoma, you should follow sun safety rules, learn monthly skin examinations, and be regularly examined by a dermatologist.