[GAZING INTO A CRYSTAL BALL AND DETECTING SUBJECTS AT RISK FOR DEVELOPING CUTANEOUS MELANOMA]

Revue Medicale De Liege
|December 8, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Cutaneous melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, is rising in white populations. Early screening via non-invasive methods like dermoscopy is crucial for at-risk individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Molecular Pathogenesis

Context:

  • Cutaneous melanoma incidence is rising in white populations in Europe and the US.
  • Understanding the molecular pathogenesis of melanoma is an active area of research.
  • Early detection of skin cancer is critical for patient outcomes.

Purpose:

  • To highlight the importance of early screening for cutaneous melanoma.
  • To discuss the role of non-invasive procedures in detecting skin cancer.
  • To identify populations at risk for melanoma.

Summary:

  • Cutaneous melanoma is a dangerous skin cancer with increasing incidence.
  • Regular clinical examinations can be enhanced by non-invasive techniques.
  • Methods include skin surface biopsies, in vivo confocal microscopy, dermoscopy, and specular fluorescent light reflectance.

Impact:

  • Improved early detection rates for cutaneous melanoma.
  • Enhanced clinical examinations through the integration of advanced diagnostic tools.
  • Potential for more effective risk-targeted screening strategies for skin cancer.

Related Concept Videos

Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
6.6K
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
4.1K
Pigmentation01:19

Pigmentation

The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
5.0K