Most of the moles present on the skin are benign and do not pose any health risk. However, some changes may correspond to early forms of skin cancer, making its recognition fundamental.
The good news is that, when identified at an early stage, skin cancer has high cure rates. Therefore, knowing the main warning signs and maintaining regular skin surveillance can make all the difference.
Some changes may correspond to early forms of skin cancer, making it essential to recognize them and carry out a skin cancer screening and evaluation of signs whenever there are doubts.
O que torna um sinal suspeito?
Not all signs are the same. Some remain stable for many years, while others undergo changes that deserve evaluation by a dermatologist.
You should be especially aware of signs that:
- Aparecem recentemente na idade adulta.
- Mudam de tamanho, forma ou cor.
- Apresentam contornos irregulares.
- Possuem várias cores na mesma lesão.
- Sangram, formam crostas ou não cicatrizam.
- Provocam comichão, dor ou desconforto persistente.
Although these changes do not necessarily mean skin cancer, they warrant expert observation.
A regra ABCDE
One of the simplest ways to evaluate a mole is through the ABCDE rule, used internationally to identify lesions suspicious of melanoma.
A — Assimetria
One half of the signal is different from the other in shape or dimension.
B — Bordos
The contours are irregular, poorly defined or have cutouts.
C — Cor
There are several shades in the same lesion, such as brown, black, red, white, or blue.
D — Diâmetro
Lesions larger than 6 mm deserve greater attention, although initial melanomas may be smaller.
E — Evolução
Any recent change in size, shape, color, or symptoms is one of the most important warning signs.
Nem todos os cancros da pele são melanomas
Although melanoma is the most well-known form, there are other common types of skin cancer.
Carcinoma basocelular
It is the most common type and grows slowly. It can appear as:
- Uma pequena lesão brilhante ou translúcida.
- Uma ferida que não cicatriza.
- Uma lesão que sangra repetidamente.
- Uma área rosada de crescimento progressivo.
Carcinoma espinocelular
It often appears in areas that are very exposed to the sun and can manifest itself as:
- Uma placa espessa e descamativa.
- Uma lesão endurecida.
- Uma ferida persistente.
- Uma crosta que reaparece repetidamente.
Quem deve estar mais atento?
Although anyone can develop skin cancer, some factors significantly increase the risk:
- Pele clara.
- História de queimaduras solares.
- Exposição solar intensa ou prolongada.
- Utilização de solários.
- Grande número de sinais.
- História pessoal ou familiar de melanoma.
- Sistema imunitário enfraquecido.
In these cases, it is particularly important to carry out periodic dermatological surveillance.
Com que frequência devo observar a minha pele?
It is recommended to observe the skin regularly, ideally once a month, in a well-lit place and using a mirror to view less accessible areas.
Don’t forget to note:
- Couro cabeludo.
- Costas.
- Palmas das mãos.
- Plantas dos pés.
- Entre os dedos.
- Unhas.
Whenever possible, ask someone else for help in observing hard-to-reach areas.
Quando devo marcar uma consulta?
You should seek dermatological evaluation if:
- Surgir um novo sinal com características diferentes dos restantes.
- Um sinal sofrer alterações ao longo do tempo.
- Existir uma lesão que sangra ou não cicatriza.
- Tiver antecedentes pessoais ou familiares de cancro da pele.
- Apresentar múltiplos sinais e nunca tiver realizado um rastreio dermatológico.
In many cases, a simple clinical observation, complemented by dermoscopy, allows the nature of the lesion to be clarified without the need for invasive examinations.
A importância do diagnóstico precoce
Early diagnosis remains the most effective measure to reduce mortality associated with skin cancer.
A dermatology consultation allows you to evaluate moles and other skin lesions using dermoscopy. Learn more about skin cancer screening and sign evaluation.
Regular skin surveillance is a simple gesture that can have a significant impact on your long-term health.