Recently, melanoma has become the most frequent cancer disease on the planet. The reason experts see in the increasing activity of the sun due to thinning of the azon layer of the Earth. In any case, the facts speak for themselves: over the past 5 years, the incidence of melanoma has increased by 60%, 20% of which end in a fatal outcome. So, melanoma of the skin: cancer intoxication - the topic of discussion for today.
The problem is that this disease is difficult to recognize. That is, the symptoms become visible only at a significant stage in the development of the disease, when serious medical intervention is already required. You notice some skin lesions in your body, but you often think that this is not serious. Whether a new birthmark has appeared, or if the old one has suddenly become discolored and gone, then the back or neck began to itch. You think it's okay, it will pass. And this is the symptoms of melanoma and you should immediately consult a doctor. It is better to let the alarm be false than then you ask for help too late.
Do not hesitate to show the doctor the place that bothers you, on your body. Be precise with regard to the timing when this or that neoplasm appeared - this will help with the diagnosis. Do not be afraid ahead of time - removing moles and spots is safe.
Facts and myths about the skin malfunction - cancer intoxication
Melanoma develops only in flat formations on the skin
Wrong. Melanoma can develop both in flat and in convex formations on the skin. Cancer occurs in the form of warts, cones and spots on the skin. A rare form of melanoma are almost invisible points on the skin (more often malignant). A threatening phenomenon are moles and birthmarks, which grow rapidly, change their color, have uneven, blurred edges. And they are flat or convex - it does not matter.
Melanoma can occur not only on the skin
Right. This kind of attack can attack practically any place on our body. 70% of all melanoma cases are formed on the surface of the legs, back, arms, trunk and face. In rare cases it may happen that melanoma of the skin and cancer intoxication are formed on the inner surface of the hands and soles of the feet. Melanoma can also develop in the area of the subungual plate, in the eyes, and even in the mucous membranes, such as the gastrointestinal tract.
It is better not to remove birthmarks, because it can stimulate tumor growth
Wrong. A well-considered way to protect against melanoma is to remove the lesion along with neighboring healthy tissues. This can only be done safely with a scalpel. According to the opinion of oncologists, there is no reason to believe that because of surgery, the risk of developing melanoma and cancer intoxication may increase.
Tea with lemon protects against skin cancer
Right. This drink can help prevent disease. This is reflected in the results of studies conducted at the University of Arizona (USA). 450 people were tested, half of whom already suffered from skin cancer. It turned out that this type of cancer rarely occurs in people who drink several cups of black tea with lemon a day. Researchers believe that citrus peels are rich in antioxidants that can protect the skin.
Children playing in the shade of trees are not exposed to ultraviolet rays
Wrong. Although it seems that the sun does not get on the skin through the foliage of trees, ultraviolet rays still penetrate through it. Thus, you must provide the child with special protection. The child should not be naked! It is necessary to have a shirt and a panama or a cap on your head to protect your eyes and skin. Most of all, young children are at risk. In order to protect the baby from skin melanoma and cancer intoxication, you must apply a protective cream to his skin with a protective factor of at least 30. And it is better to consult a pediatrician for advice on how to choose a protective cream.
Modern solariums are safe
Wrong. Although new solariums with modern lamps significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer, they can not be called completely safe. Ultraviolet rays are always dangerous. Thus, the time of one session should not exceed 15 minutes. Before visiting the solarium, always apply a good protective cream to the skin with a high protective factor. If you have any lesions of the skin or just a large number of birthmarks - it's better to give up the tanning altogether.
When you bathe in the lake or the sea - you can not be afraid of the sun
On the contrary! You are even more exposed to sunlight! Ultraviolet can penetrate through the water to a depth of two meters. In addition, the radiation directly above the surface of the lake or the sea is more intense than on land. And remember: water is a big lens. Through it, the effect of the rays on the skin increases several times, making the risk of developing skin cancer the maximum. That is why, before you begin to swim, you need to apply a safe cream with a protective factor of more than 30. And be sure to cover the child's head.
Special cream - the best protection from the sun
Right. But remember - even a sunscreen does not completely protect you from skin cancer. The cream works best if it is well matched to the skin type. The brighter the sun, the higher the protection coefficient should be. If you have blonde hair and eyes, and your skin reacts strongly to the sun, apply sunscreen 50 +. If your eyes and hair are dark, you can apply the cream before sunbathing with a degree of protection from 10 to 20.
Skin cancer can be cured
Right. If you seek help at an early stage of the disease, then you have one hundred percent chance of a complete cure. Unfortunately, in our country only about 40% of patients are actually healed, because they address a doctor too late. But this does not mean that a fatal outcome is inevitable. A person can simply not completely heal cancer, have the risk of repeated neoplasms, but live a relatively full life. The main thing is to be under constant medical supervision.
Adults have a higher risk of developing skin cancer than children
Wrong. The risk of sunburn in children is much higher than in adults. And even if the child once "burned" in the sun - he is already at risk in terms of the incidence of skin melanoma and cancer intoxication. This can occur at any time. Watch your baby's condition, not letting him burn in the sun. This is extremely important!
There is a vaccine against skin melanoma
Right. Polish Professor Andrzej Mackiewicz of the Department of Cancer Immunology of the University of Medical Sciences has developed the world's first vaccine for patients with melanoma. Tests were carried out in patients with genetically modified cancer cells. The vaccine was tested in 10 clinics in Poland. Studies have shown that the incidence of this vaccine has decreased by 55%. The only condition is that the vaccine should be used at an early stage of the disease.
The main thing that you should remember is that skin melanoma can be cured with timely access to a doctor. This disease can be prevented, since its development is completely dependent on external factors. You just need to be more attentive to yourself and not miss changes that can be suspicious. It is better to show false anxiety than to seek help too late.