Knowing how to distinguish a melanoma from a healthy mole can sometimes save your life: prevention, when it comes to tumors, is essential. In America, 7,300 new cases of melanoma develop every year among men and 6,700 among women, with an incidence that has doubled in the last 10 years: according to data from Airtum, the Italian Cancer Registry Association, which also explains how analyze our state of health to immediately realize that something is wrong.
Prevention kit: what is the ABCD rule
On the occasion of World Melanoma Day (May 13), experts wanted to make some important recommendations. How do you distinguish a melanoma from a healthy mole? In particular, in the case of nei, it is necessary to pay attention to the Abcde Rule:
- Asymmetry. The mole, to be healthy, must be regular in shape.
- Jagged edges. The mole should have smooth, continuous edges.
- Variegated color. Even the color must be uniform, without particular variations.
- Size greater than 6 mm. If a mole grows larger than 6 millimeters, it is advisable to be checked by a doctor.
- Rapid evolution over time. The healthy mole does not change shape rapidly over time.
Doctors have also urged patients to look for symptoms such as bleeding, itching or dryness from a pre-existing mole, up to a few specks surrounded by a lump or red area: prevent, or discover the disease in a very early stage, today it means making melanoma more treatable, thanks to the great strides made in recent years.
Protect your skin in summer
We must therefore pay attention to the “state of health” of the moles, putting into practice correct behavior under the sun, especially in the warmer months. First, the gradualness of exposure to the sun, especially in the early days: avoid the hottest hours, the central ones of the day (from 11 to 17). Second mandatory rule: use sunscreens with adequate filters, spreading a layer over the whole body (including areas often forgotten such as eyelids, eyes, ears, feet), after each bath and every 2 hours after the previous application.
Source: Il Secolo XIX
