The day organized for our clients aimed at preventing the most malignant skin tumor – malignant melanoma – took place at CMC’s premises in May this year. 31 patients came to our clinic to have their birthmarks checked, out of which 8 patients were recommended surgical removal. In total, 9 surgical operations were performed and one is planned for this fall. Two further dermatological examinations were carried out to treat additional dermatoses.

Three patients that were examined histologically had their birthmarks identified as having atypical features (dysplastic nevi) and one patient had a lesion where it was not possible to determine whether it was a non-malignant skin occurrence or a melanoma in its early stages. The most important fact is that one of the patients during this preventive event had a malignant melanoma identified. As explained by MUDr. Daniela Vaňousová, “after the removal of the melanoma by a plastic surgeon, a histological examination identified an early stage of this malignant tumor. The melanoma was detected early enough and as a result of that, only frequent dispensary examinations by a dermatologist are required.”

Therefore, caring for your skin and attending preventive examinations of birthmarks does make sense!

What is a melanoma?

A melanoma is a highly dangerous type of skin cancer which occurs within skin cells (melanocytes) which produce the skin pigment (melanin). Risk factors contributing to the occurrence of melanomas are skin burns in childhood, excessive sunbathing and lack of skin protection from sunrays as well as insufficient use of skin products with UV protection.  A melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin surface. For example, it can be found directly within birthmarks, in the eye or on the mucosa.  The most important factor is identifying the problem early enough.

The “Euro Melanoma Day” is organized by a group of European dermatologists falling under the Melanoma Task Force, which is run under the auspices of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology.  In the Czech Republic, the Czech Dermatological Society ČLS JEP and the Czech Academy of Dermatology and Venerology was responsible for the organization of the event.  The goal of the project is to increase public awareness with regards to the dangers of birthmarks and exposure to sunrays. Further the project aims to stress the importance and role of dermatologists in diagnosing and treating skin tumors as well as gathering as much statistical data as possible. More information is available on: www.euromelanoma.org/czech/.