Cutaneous melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer; it is a malignant tumor that originates from melanocytes, the cells of the epidermis responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that protects the skin from the sun’s rays and allows for tanning .
Melanocytes can form visible aggregates on the skin (moles or nevi), but in some cases they undergo a transformation that leads to the development of melanoma. This tumor can develop on healthy skin or from pre-existing moles.
What are the symptoms and how can you prevent them? We discuss this with Dr. Marina Fantato , dermatologist at Humanitas Medical Care Arese .
Melanoma, risk factors
Those most at risk are those with a history of excessive and repeated exposure to ultraviolet rays , especially during childhood. The risk is higher in people with fair skin, blond or red hair, light-colored eyes, numerous moles or freckles, or those who have suffered severe sunburn, especially during childhood.
Other risk factors are:
- a weakened immune system;
- the presence of rare genetic diseases such as xeroderma pigmentosum;
- a family history of melanoma;
- a past diagnosis of melanoma or other skin cancers.
Even having repeatedly exposed yourself to tanning beds and showers for years could be a risk factor.
Symptoms of melanoma
The main warning sign is the appearance of a new mole or a change in the appearance of an existing mole . There’s a very easy-to-remember formula that can help you recognize a change in a mole, and it follows the letters A, B, C, D, and E.
The letter A stands for “asymmetry,” B for “edges,” C for “color,” and D for “size.” Finally, the letter E stands for “evolution.”
In essence, a mole shouldn’t be underestimated when:
- it is asymmetrical
- it has jagged, not well-defined edges
- it is of a heterogeneous color
- it changes size very quickly
- evolves, changes in general over time.
There are also other symptoms to watch for, such as a mole that bleeds, itches, or is surrounded by a red area.
How to prevent it?
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is, to date, the only modifiable risk factor for skin cancers, including melanoma.
Prevention begins with proper sun exposure from an early age, avoiding leaving children in the sun for long hours (especially between 10 am and 4 pm), thus preventing sunburn.
If you’re in the sun, you should definitely wear hats, sunglasses, and clothing that helps protect your skin from UV rays. Tanning beds and tanning lamps should be avoided.
Sunscreens are essential, as is keeping a constant eye on your skin’s condition by looking in the mirror and having regular dermatological check – ups, depending on your situation.
Sunscreens: How to Choose Them
The European Union defines sunscreen products as all preparations intended to be applied to human skin to protect it from ultraviolet rays. This objective is achieved through the absorption, dispersion, or refraction of solar radiation, thanks to the presence of specific UV filters. Sunscreen products can be in spray, gel, oil, or cream form.
Sunscreens fall into two main categories. Chemical filters are organic molecules that absorb UV energy, converting it into a harmless form of energy, such as heat. Physical filters , on the other hand, are inorganic mineral-based substances—such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide—that act like mirrors, reflecting and scattering sunlight.
The sun protection factor (SPF) indicates how well a sunscreen filters out UVB rays, which cause sunburn. It does not, however, measure protection against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper and contribute to both skin aging and the development of cancer.
SPF is a numerical rating that indicates how much longer you can be exposed to the sun without burning. For example, an SPF of 10 allows you to multiply the exposure time by 10 before developing a rash. In practice, however, effectiveness depends on many factors, including the amount of product applied, skin type, sweat, contact with water, and the manner in which you expose yourself.
The choice of sunscreen must take into account several elements:
- the phototype , that is, the skin’s reactivity to the sun;
- age (children require very high protection) ;
- the duration and time of the exposure ;
- environmental conditions , such as altitude, latitude, presence of reflective surfaces (snow, water, sand) .
In general, the lighter the skin, the higher the SPF should be. During the first few days of exposure, high SPFs (30 or higher) should be used for all skin types.
How to apply sunscreen correctly?
Applications should be generous, even, and cover all exposed areas, including often overlooked areas like the ears, backs of the hands, neck, and feet.
The cream should be applied at least 20-30 minutes before exposure and reapplied every two hours , or more frequently if sweating, swimming, or exercising. People often tend to apply less and less frequently, thus compromising the effectiveness of the protection.
Finally, it’s important to remember that sunscreen isn’t a pass that allows you to stay in the sun at any time, in any weather: the risks of excessive exposure are almost the same, with or without filters.
