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| {{CMG}} | | {{CMG}} |
| {{Melanoma}} | | {{Melanoma}} |
| | {{CMG}} {{AE}} {{YD}}; {{SSK}} |
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| ==Overview== | | ==Overview== |
| | | Primary prevention of melanoma includes avoidance of sunlight and ultraviolet radiation exposure. |
| ==Prevention==
| | ==Primary Prevention== |
| Minimizing exposure to sources of ultraviolet radiation (the sun and sunbeds),<ref>{{cite journal | author = Autier P | title = Cutaneous malignant melanoma: facts about sunbeds and sunscreen. | journal = Expert Rev Anticancer Ther | volume = 5 | issue = 5 | pages = 821-33 | year = 2005 | id = PMID 16221052}}</ref> following sun protection measures and wearing sun protective clothing (long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and broad-brimmed hats) can offer protection. Using a [[sunscreen]] with an [[sunscreen|SPF]] rating of 30 or better on exposed areas has been recommended.<ref>[http://www.cancer.org/docroot/cri/content/cri_2_4_2x_can_melanoma_be_prevented_50.asp Can Melanoma Be Prevented?]</ref> However, there are severe doubts about the ability of current sunscreen to prevent melanoma.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Garland C, Garland F, Gorham E |title=Could sunscreens increase melanoma risk? |url= http://www.ajph.org/cgi/reprint/82/4/614| journal=Am J Public Health |volume=82 |issue=4 |pages=614-5 |year=1992 |pmid=1546792 |issn=}}</ref>
| | The following preventive measures reduce the risk of melanoma: |
| | | *Avoid sunlight and ultraviolet radiation exposure |
| [[Image:WB032021.JPG|thumb|230px|left|A melanoma showing irregular borders and colour, diameter over 10 mm and asymmetry (ie A, B, C and D.)]]
| | :*Use sunblocks (at least 15 SPF) when exposed to sunlight. Reapply sunblock every 2-3 hours and after sweating/swimming |
| To prevent or detect melanomas (and increase survival rates), it is recommended to learn what they look like (see "ABCDE" mnemonic below), to be aware of moles and check for changes (shape, size, color, itching or bleeding) and to show any suspicious moles to a doctor with an interest and skills in skin malignancy.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Friedman R, Rigel D, Kopf A | title = Early detection of malignant melanoma: the role of physician examination and self-examination of the skin. | journal = CA Cancer J Clin | volume = 35 | issue = 3 | pages = 130-51 | year = | id = PMID 3921200}}</ref>
| | :*Seek shaded areas |
| | | :*Wear wide-brimmed hats |
| A popular method for remembering the signs and symptoms of melanoma is the mnemonic "ABCDE":
| | :*Avoid sunbeds |
| * '''A'''symmetrical skin lesion. | | ==Reference== |
| * '''B'''order of the lesion is irregular. | |
| * '''C'''olor: melanomas usually have multiple colors.
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| * '''D'''iameter: moles greater than 5 mm are more likely to be melanomas than smaller moles. | |
| * '''E'''volution: The evolution (ie change) of a mole or lesion may be a hint that the lesion is becoming malignant --or-- '''E'''levation: The mole is raised or elevated above the skin.
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| The '''E''' is sometimes omitted, as in the [[ABCD guideline]].
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| People with a personal or family history of skin cancer or of [[dysplastic nevus syndrome]] (multiple atypical moles) should see a dermatologist at least once a year to be sure they are not developing melanoma.
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| ==References== | |
| {{Reflist|2}} | | {{Reflist|2}} |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yazan Daaboul, M.D.; Serge Korjian M.D.
Overview
Primary prevention of melanoma includes avoidance of sunlight and ultraviolet radiation exposure.
Primary Prevention
The following preventive measures reduce the risk of melanoma:
- Avoid sunlight and ultraviolet radiation exposure
- Use sunblocks (at least 15 SPF) when exposed to sunlight. Reapply sunblock every 2-3 hours and after sweating/swimming
- Seek shaded areas
- Wear wide-brimmed hats
- Avoid sunbeds
Reference