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RIO – The month of December marks the arrival of summer, the hottest period of the year. Although the season only begins towards the end of the month, temperatures begin to rise until November, increasing the risk of diseases badociated with sun exposure. The main one is skin cancer, which affects about 176,000 Brazilians each year.
The data comes from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), which is promoting this month the "Orange December" campaign, aimed at raising public awareness of the risks of the disease, the most affected by cancer. At-risk groups include people with fair skin, freckles, light or dark hair and light eyes, as well as people with sunburn, inability to sunbathe, large numbers moles or family members with a history of illness.
– Skin cancer is characterized by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of the cells that make up the skin. They form layers deeper than each other. The different types of skin cancer are related to the depth of the affected layers – says Dr. Karla Assed, dermatologist member of SBD and the American Academy of Dermatology.
According to Assed, the disease may appear more moderately in forms of basal cell carcinoma (more frequent, directly related to sun exposure and frequent onset at age 40) or squamous cell carcinoma (a slightly more severe, with smoking). It is also possible to contract a melanoma, a more serious form of the disease and likely to cause metastases (spread to other parts of the body).
The main preventive measures recommended are to avoid excessive exposure to the sun and to protect against the effects of ultraviolet rays. For this, it is recommended to wear hats, t-shirts, sunglbades and clothing that can cover other exposed areas. It is equally important to use sunscreen, which should be daily and include re-applications. Sun exposure between 10am and 4pm is not recommended.
Dermatologists also advise to consult a professional of the sector at least once a year for the conduct of the examinations.
– Over the years, the longer and more frequent sun exposure, the greater the risk of developing malignant tumors. The fact is that even knowing the risks, people are exposed to times when the sun can cause major skin damage, especially in the summer – warns the doctor.
Dermatologists explain how to detect a possible skin cancer
Observation is one of the main precautions to take to find a clue to the disease. Dr. Assed recommends paying particular attention to the appearance of bright, translucent, reddish, brown, pink or multicolored pimples or lesions, with easy crust and bleeding.
Other lesions to be monitored with caution are black or brown dots that change color and texture, with irregularities in the margins and increased growth, and spots or wounds that do not heal and continue to grow accompanied by itching, erosion or bleeding. Melanomas already in metastatic states may present symptoms in other parts of the body.
A didactic method for observing risk factors is the ABCDE method, disclosed by the SBD itself. The technique involves observing asymmetry, irregularities on the edges, dark colors or more of a color, a diameter greater than 0.5 cm and the evolution of skin lesions. The diagnosis of the disease, however, must be made by a specialist doctor, by means of clinical examinations.
Treatment may require consultation with an oncologist
In less severe cases, there are treatments involving simple procedures, which involve the removal of the tumor by different surgical methods, Dr. Assed explains. The procedure is followed by anticancer treatments, using various techniques, which may involve the use of electric scalpels, lasers or photosensitizers.
– Anyone who diagnoses cancer is the dermatologist. From the suspected lesion, he biopsies and dries the lesion. – explains Dr. Sabrina Chagas, an oncology specialist at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
The doctor warns that in case of diagnosis of melanoma or another type of tumor, it is recommended to consult an oncologist, who will perform tests to check the stage of the injury and the need for A complementary treatment, such as surgery, immunotherapy. or even chemotherapy.
* Trainee under the supervision of Renata Izaal
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