Melanoma is a cancer in melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in the skin. Melanoma can spread to other areas of the body. It most frequently appears on the trunk in men and on the legs in women, but it can occur anywhere on the body.

The incidence of melanoma has been increasing faster than any other cancer over the past 20 years. The way to decrease your chance of developing melanoma is to recognize if you are at risk and take measures to decrease that risk or be more vigilant.

The following are risk factors. The more risk factors you have, the higher your chances are of getting melanoma.

- A mole that is changing
- Atypical nevus syndrome
- Having a mole that is >15cm in diameter and has been present since birth
- White pale skin
- A prior melanoma
- A close family member with melanoma
- Using a tanning bed ten times a year or more before age 30
- More than 50 moles on your body
- Suppression of the immune system
- The tendency to burn and freckle instead of tan

Preventing Melanoma
The best prevention is to recognize any risk factors you may have and prevent sun damage. Use a sunscreen that has at least an SPF of 15 anytime and everyday and avoid sun exposure.

Recognizing Suspicious Moles using the ABCD’s system:

- Asymmetry - Draw a line through the middle of the mole. If the halves don’t match, the mole is asymmetric and more likely to be abnormal.
- Border - The borders of atypical moles are not well defined.
- Color - An uneven color throughout the mole is a sign of abnormality.
- Diameter - Moles that are enlarging in diameter greater than 6 mm. This is about the size of a pencil eraser.

If you are concerned about a mole, you must see your dermatologist!

Best wishes from Brazil!

Dr. Érica Monteiro - Cosmetic Dermatologist
www.dermatologia.com.br