Skin cancer cases in the last two years continue to surpass those in the pre-pandemic era. According to data from the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV)in Spain, more than 300 patients are diagnosed with melanoma each month, the most aggressive type of skin cancer; an incidence that increases year after year, despite the fact that people seem to be increasingly aware of prevention. However, The idea that tanned skin is more attractive continues to have strength among the majority of the population, even though exposure to the sun can cause health problems. The use of sunscreen, in fact, can be associated with risky sun exposure, either due to the false sense of security that leads us to spend more time in the sun, or due to its incorrect application.
Digital dermoscopy, which allows obtaining a photographic map of the skin, combined with clinical examination and visual inspection carried out by a dermatologist, favors both the early diagnosis of skin cancer and the monitoring and control of people at risk.
This diagnostic imaging equipment, one of the most innovative in the field of dermatology, is based on a high definition camera system to obtain high quality images of the entire surface of the body. This allows the detection and visualization of all skin lesions with an image magnification of up to 400 times.
Furthermore, it has a artificial intelligence software for change detection that may arise in the control of warts and blemishes, focusing the specialist's attention on those lesions that require special monitoring. The specialist will study images of an injury taken at each of the visits the patient has made and may compare easily to see if there was suspicious changes of malignancy.
Eduardo Varasspecialist in diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer at the Vila Parc clinic in Ibiza, highlights that in 2022 melanoma cases doubled in your consultation. “When diagnosis is delayed, there is a risk of spreading to other parts of the body and we will need to undergo more invasive treatments and diagnostic tests”, indicates.
“The digital dermoscopy study is especially indicated in patients with fair skin or a high number of moles and in those with a family or personal history of skin tumors.“, he points out.
Other innovations, such as Mohs surgerysurgical technique that allows the treatment of complex skin cancer and guarantees complete removal of the tumor at the same time of intervention, also contributes, together with early detection, to obtain more successful results against skin cancer, improving expectation and the quality of life of patients.
Young adults
Superficial extensive melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer in Spain, according to the AEDV. Furthermore, this cancer often occurs in young adults and people between 40 and 50 years old.
O amount of solar radiation received throughout life is the main cause for the development of skin cancer, and episodes of sunburn, even in childhood, increase the risk of becoming ill.
Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, so a thorough review of the entire surface of the skin in order to find suspicious injuries. And any change in the skin should take us to the specialist to obtain a proper diagnosis, paying special attention to changes in signs, but also to wounds that do not heal or nodules on the skin.
