Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes – the cells responsible for producing the pigment melanin. It can appear on an existing mole or previously unchanged skin. Apart from the skin, it can also occur in the eye, mucous membranes, or under the nails.
In its early stages, melanoma may look like an ordinary mole, but it differs by irregular edges, changes in color, and rapid growth.
The diagnosis is made through a dermatological examination, often with the help of dermoscopy, and confirmed by a histopathological report after the suspicious lesion has been removed, reports Sombor.info.
How dangerous is melanoma and why is it called the deadliest skin tumor?
“Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer because it spreads quickly to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes and internal organs. If not treated on time, it can be fatal. Its significance is also shown by the fact that it is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide in both sexes,” explains Dr. Jelikić.
How common is melanoma in our country and which groups are most at risk?
According to data, about 700 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed annually in Serbia.
The most at-risk are people who:
have fair skin,
light eyes,
a large number of moles,
or are often exposed to the sun without protection.
Also, people who have already had melanoma or have family members with the disease are at increased risk. Distribution by sex varies with age – in the population aged 30 to 35, it occurs more often in women, due to greater sun exposure and the use of tanning beds. This is why prevention and regular dermatological check-ups are extremely important.
“Around 200 patients die from melanoma every year,” says Dr. Jelikić.
How can we protect ourselves from melanoma?
Protection from UV radiation is key in melanoma prevention. It is recommended to:
wear protective clothing, such as hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts,
use sunscreens with a high SPF,
avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 5 pm,
not use tanning beds and UV lamps during cosmetic treatments,
do regular self-checks of the skin and dermatological examinations.
Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every 2–3 hours.
Babies under six months should not be exposed to the sun at all, while older infants should wear clothing with UV filters. These measures significantly reduce the risk of developing melanoma.
Does tanning really increase the risk of melanoma?
“Yes! Using tanning beds increases the risk of developing melanoma. Just one session in a tanning bed raises the risk of melanoma by 20%. UV radiation from tanning beds can cause DNA damage in the skin, leading to malignant changes. That’s why avoiding tanning beds and other sources of UV radiation is strongly advised,” stresses Dr. Jelikić.
Since 2019, the use of tanning beds has been banned in Serbia for people under 18, while others require written consent with a warning about the risks they carry.
Do all melanomas look like a strange mole?
“No, melanomas do not always manifest as unusual moles. However, changes in color, shape, or size of a mole can be a warning sign. That’s why regular dermoscopic skin examinations are important, as they allow a more detailed analysis of changes not visible to the naked eye,” says Dr. Jelikić.
Is it true that only moles that bleed and hurt should worry us?
“No. Bleeding and pain are often signs of mole injury. That’s why a dermoscopic examination by a dermatologist is always necessary to determine whether further diagnostics or mole removal is needed,” says Dr. Jelikić.
When should I see a dermatologist? How often should I have check-ups?
“See a dermatologist if you notice a new skin change, or if an existing one grows, changes color, has unclear edges, or simply looks different compared to before or to other spots on your skin,” explains Dr. Jelikić.
If you don’t notice such changes, one dermoscopic skin check-up per year is enough. If you have previously had melanoma or another skin tumor, regular monitoring as advised by your dermatologist is required.
If melanoma is detected early, what are the chances of recovery?
If melanoma is detected in its earliest stages, known as in situ, surgical removal is considered curative, since in these stages the tumor is limited only to the surface layers of the skin and has not spread deeper or to distant organs.
Also, diagnosing melanoma early reduces the risk of distant metastases and has a better prognosis.
Can mole removal cause melanoma to spread?
“No, proper mole removal does not cause melanoma to spread. On the contrary, if melanoma is suspected, its surgical removal is key to early diagnosis and subsequent proper treatment and monitoring,” says Dr. Jelikić.
Melanoma is a serious but largely preventable disease. Regular dermatological check-ups, responsible sun behavior, and avoiding tanning beds significantly reduce the risk of developing it.
“The key is early detection – skin changes should not be ignored but checked on time. Taking care of your skin’s health is not just an aesthetic issue but a matter of life,” concludes Dr. Jelikić.
