RESUMO
Malignant melanoma is increasing at an alarming rate, exceeding that of any other cancer in the United States today. Genetic susceptibility and exposure to ultraviolet radiation are thought to be the two most important risk factors for development of the neoplasm. While genetic factors cannot be altered, minimizing exposure to ultraviolet light, especially intermittent intense type, and photoprotective measures may significantly reduce the development of this ominous cutaneous malignancy.
Assuntos
Melanoma/epidemiologia , Melanoma/etiologia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/epidemiologia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/etiologia , Saúde Global , Humanos , Incidência , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
Familiarity with the clinical signs of malignant melanoma can result in earlier recognition and thus potentially decrease both patient morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, several cutaneous tumors, both benign and malignant, have clinical similarities to this neoplasm, often making the correct diagnosis difficult. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the clinical characteristics of the different types of malignant melanoma and those lesions that mimic this ominous malignancy. Furthermore, diagnostic clues to help delineate between these various pigmented lesions are provided.
