Melanoma cases increased by 50% in ten years

Those responsible for the Melanoma Unit of Hospital Clínic de Barcelona estimate that annually affects between 7 and 12 per 100,000 people

Melanoma cancer more aggressive and deadly skin, not extended among the Spanish population, which has traditionally been less likely compared to citizens of northern Europe, to suffer the consequences of excessive sun exposure.

In the last ten years, the number of people affected by this cancer has increased by 50% in Catalonia, and it affects every year between 7 and 12 per 100,000 people, according to officials of the Melanoma Unit of Hospital Clínic from Barcelona.

This skin tumor, which half a century ago was considered in Spain a disease linked to working at sea or in the countryside, is now diagnosed in young people between 16 and 18 years, says the specialist in dermatology Susana Puig, a member of the box Hospital Medical Clinic. "Age and diagnosis low and is at puberty. I have patients of 16 years, "he explains.

This is the most common in women 25 to 29 years, followed by breast cancer and the most common in men aged 30-35 years preceding the lung and colon. Detected when it accumulates more than four millimeters thick or when bleeding, melanoma is deadly for more than 70% of patients, says Puig. "The only advantage we have now is that many cases detected in earlier stages, when you only have to surgically remove the tumor, without following any more treatment."

Melanoma, the warning signs

Besides the convenience of not staying for long periods in the sun, statically and bathing in the middle of the day, between 13 and 17 hours, especially if you treat a child, dermatologists advise to be on alert ahead experiencing changes in skin. Among the signs that should be cause for medical consultation, indicate: new spots and freckles, uneven edges, which change color or increase in size; which become rugged, swollen or bright; those arising with regard to small and very dark lentil, and grow rapidly; and that bleed or itch.

"Whoever brings together more than 100 freckles scattered body should consult a doctor, even if these stains do not change color or size," says dermatologist. "And when a specialist analyzes the sins reason for consultation would have to review the rest of the body, an action that is not always carried out". In this control must include the parts where the sun never touches the interdigital areas and scalp, among other places.

Many melanomas suffered in adulthood result from solar burns caused during childhood or during adolescence, warns Dr.. Children under 7 years, he says, would have to be under the sun not even with sunscreen and clothing. The sun reflects in their bodies with a higher intensity to that received by adults, a fact that leads to rapid and highly dangerous burns he insists.