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Learn more about Melanoma

Learn more about Melanoma

It is a cancer that usually originates in the skin (although it can originate in some cases in other organs) Characteristically it is an aggressive cancer with a high rate of local dissemination and distant metastases.

Dr. Felipe Capdeville Fuenzalida.

In many cases we have abnormal or strange symptoms of some kind and because of the circumstances of the same, we use a single specialist. But what happens when it comes to something "normal" like the appearance of a mole that was not there before? Does the surgeon have a hematoma (bruise) that is apparently not present at greater risk? Therefore, it is very important to know all the details of symptoms that do not seem "common" because that can make the difference between health and well-being. One of these symptoms or signs is melanoma, which begins as a kind of pigmentation in the skin and can be quite serious, but ...

 

What is Melanoma?

It is a cancer that usually originates in the skin (although it can originate in some cases in other organs). It is noteworthy its rapid increase in developed countries since the 1950s and one this increase is directly related to sun exposure by aesthetic and leisure factors. It is characteristically an aggressive cancer with a high rate of local spread and distant metastases.

 

What are the main symptoms of this condition?

It is usually present as a change in the characteristics of a mole, or the appearance of a new pigmented lesion on the skin. They are warning signs of color change, accelerated growth, ulceration, bleeding, pruritus or some other symptom related to this mole or pigmented lesion.

 

Which people are most prone to this condition?

It can occur in any person and at any age, but it is more common in people with fair skin, light eyes, blond or reddish hair, in middle age of life, who have had direct relatives with melanoma. The antecedent of sun exposure in the genetically predisposed population is also a risk factor.

 

What is the treatment for this condition?

The pillar of the treatment in the surgery, with extensive extirpation of the tumor, and eventually extirpation of nodes associated to the anatomical site involved. In more advanced stages immunotherapy plays a very important role at this time. Early diagnosis, based on clinical suspicion, allows for higher cure rates.

 

What are the indications and contraindications for treatment?

The contraindications are related to the impossibility of undergoing surgery.

Surgery in Vitacura