Puerto Vallarta

Hospiten tells us about early detection of melanomas

January 27, 2023

A mole, also known as a benign nevus, is an accumulation of pigmented cells that appears as a spot on the skin. Adults have around 20-25 pigmented spots on their bodies, but the number varies depending on hereditary factors, sun exposure, and certain factors that favor them, such as pregnancy.

Moles vary in size, color, and shape depending on where they are and how they appear. They are almost always benign, but any change in their appearance could indicate the presence of a malignant melanoma.

A mole is considered suspicious when:

It increases in size.
It changes color.
It changes shape.
It causes itching or pain.
It crusts or bleeds.

What exactly is melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs when melanocytes become malignant. It can appear spontaneously or on a changing mole. It usually affects adults, but it can happen to children as well. People who are at risk of developing melanoma are those who:

Have a family history of melanoma
Have had melanoma in the past
Have moles that change in appearance
Have a large number of moles
Burn easily in the sun or tan very little (fair-skinned, freckled and light-eyed)
Have a history of significant sunburn
Work or engage in frequent outdoor activities

Skin Self-Examination

Self-examination is simple to perform, either with a mirror or with the assistance of a family member, by following the instructions below:

Examine the body in front of a mirror, arms up, front, and sideways
Examine the forearms, |the upper and lower arms, and the palms of the hands
Examine the backs of the legs, as well as the spaces between the toes and the bottoms of the feet
Using a hand mirror, look behind the neck and scalp
The genitals, buttocks, and lower back