Melanoma

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É o tipo de tumor menos frequente, mas o mais perigoso. Pode afetar pessoas de qualquer idade, ao contrário dos carcinomas anteriores que são mais comuns em pessoas mais idosas. Variam muito de aspeto, podendo apresentar-se como uma lesão pigmentada que vai escurecendo, desenvolvendo contornos irregulares ou cores variadas, ao longo do tempo, ou como um nódulo rosa ou vermelho. Pode espalhar-se internamente. Requer tratamento imediato.

 

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Appearance

 

Melanomas present as either spots that are darkly pigmented or develop irregular edges or different colours over time, or as rapidly-growing pink or red lumps. Melanomas are not easy to identify at first glance, as they often appear similar to other moles or birthmarks.

 

The ABCDE rule is a useful way to identify potential melanomas on the body:

 

- Is the mole Asymmetric?
- Does it have indistinct or uneven Borders?
- Does it change Colour?
- Is it larger than 6mm in Diameter?
- Has its size, shape or behaviour Evolved over time?

 

All moles should look fairly similar; the same shape and colours. If a new lesion appears that is different form the rest, it may be suspicious. This is called the ‘Ugly Ducking’ sign.

 

Symptoms such as itching or bleeding of a lesion are hallmark signs of malignant melanomas. The appearance of any new lesion on previously unaffected skin in people over the age of 40 is also a suspicious sign, and should result in checks with a dermatologist.

 

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Location

 

Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the chest and legs. They can grow on previously unblemished skin, but in approximately 30% of cases they appear on the site of existing moles.

 

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Evolution

 

Melanomas may grow quickly, and can spread to internal organs rapidly. Because of this, immediate treatment is required, most often in the form of surgical excision.

 

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