The skin is our first shield from exogenous agents. It is the largest organ in our body and, by protecting us at all times from external aggressions, it plays essential roles in our life. Yet, we often do not give it the right attention. This is why the month of May, dedicated to the prevention of melanoma, has a special value: it reminds us how important it is to stop and observe our skin and have it checked regularly.

What is meant by malignant skin tumor?
When we talk about malignant skin tumor, we usually think of melanoma, the most feared form because it is potentially lethal, but not the most frequent. In fact, there are two other much more common forms of tumor — basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma — which, although less aggressive, should never be neglected.

The main problem with these lesions is that they initially present symptoms that are not very evident and do not cause concern, such as a mole that changes color and/or shape, a small growth that grows slowly, or a rough or red area that does not heal. All signs that, in the daily routine, we tend to ignore or postpone. But it is precisely in these initial moments, when the lesion has just appeared, that we can intervene in a decisive manner, avoiding more invasive treatments or future complications.

A dermatological visit can make the difference

The dermatological visit is not just a technical check of moles or skin blemishes. During the check-up, a valuable exchange of information is created between dermatologist and patient: the doctor analyses the person’s history, collects information on the phototype, on past sun exposure and on the presence of any family history of skin diseases; while the patient can ask questions to understand how and when to observe their skin and which signals deserve attention.

Much more than a quick check-up, the dermatological visit is also and above all an educational space in which the patient learns to read the language of their skin, to notice small changes, to become an active part of the prevention process.

How often is it recommended to have a dermatological visit?

The frequency with which to undergo a dermatological visit for the prevention of skin cancer depends on several factors, including your phototype, personal and family medical history, age, and the possible presence of suspicious or atypical lesions. In general:

• those who do not have particular risk factors can have a dermatological visit once a year. This interval allows for the identification of any changes in moles or the appearance of new skin lesions, maintaining effective monitoring;
• those who have a family history of melanoma or other skin tumors, or have numerous moles, should have check-ups every 6 months. Even those who have very pale skin (phototype I and II), tend to burn easily or have already had episodes of intense sun exposure, are among the subjects to be monitored more carefully.

When to book an appointment outside of routine checkups

If you notice any of the signs listed below, waiting for the annual or biannual checkup is not advisable. Instead, it is preferable to contact a dermatologist as soon as possible for a timely evaluation.

• A mole that rapidly changes color, shape or size.
• A skin lesion that bleeds, itches or does not tend to heal.
• The appearance of a new spot with an unusual appearance.
• Persistent skin irritation without an apparent cause.

Continue protection at home

Even though dermatological checkups are essential, true prevention begins with small daily gestures. Regularly applying sunscreen, choosing light but covering clothing during the central hours of the day, using hats, sunglasses and paying attention to surfaces that reflect light, such as sand, water or snow are just some of the simplest but most powerful weapons we have to prevent the formation of tumor lesions. But there is another very important gesture, that is observing your skin.

There is a simple rule to remember, called ABCDE, that helps you spot warning signs:

• A as asymmetry
• B as irregular edges
• C as non-uniform color
• D as diameter greater than 6 mm
• E as evolution, or changes over time

Take advantage of prevention month!

In conclusion, after months of coverage, May is the month in which we return to exposing ourselves to the sun. However, the warm season tends to make us forget that sunlight, if not controlled, can become a danger.

Controlling the way in which we expose ourselves to UV rays does not mean having to give up the warmth of the sun, but learning to manage it with awareness; it means getting used to regular protection, observing your skin with a careful eye, but above all including a dermatological visit in your routine, with the same naturalness with which you do any other check-up.

MiniHospital Sandro Pertini offers a complete specialist service for the diagnosis and prevention of skin cancers, with an expert team, advanced technologies and a human and personalized approach: contact us to book your check-up visit.