Former Brazilian president faces health problem that reinforces alert about cancer
In an interview with Young Pan reporter Camila Yunes, Accamargo Cancer Center’s oncologist Dr. João Duprat explained what is Ode Skin-type of cancer recently diagnosed with the former president-as well as addressing risks, treatments and warning signs of the disease.
“Carcinoma has many types, depending on where it occurs. It is a tumor that comes from cells that coat our body, inside and out,” said the doctor. In the skin, the most common type is basal cell carcinoma, which represents about 80% of cases and rarely generates metastasis. “It’s a local problem that grows and needs to be removed,” he explained.
Another type is the scam (or spinocellular) cell carcinoma, which is also usually removed, but can metastasis in up to 5% of cases. “In general, just remove and observe. Severe cases are rare when the tumor grows for years without treatment.”
Melanoma is more aggressive and requires attention
About the difference between carcinomas and melanoma, Duprat clarified that melanoma has a higher risk of metastasis. Most suspected surgeries are benign, but when the diagnosis is confirmed, there is always complementary treatment, such as expansion of surgery or immunotherapy, according to the doctor.
Melanoma represents between 5% and 10% of cases of skin cancer, being more common in light -skinned people who live in regions of high sun exposure, such as coastal.
Sol is the main risk factor
The doctor stressed that the main cause of skin cancer is solar radiation. “Whether carcinoma or melanoma, the sun is the main factor. And light skin also increases the risk. Even black -skinned people, even people who have not sunny, may eventually have skin tumors with small sun exposure.”
Accompaniment varies according to gravity
After the diagnosis of scaled carcinoma, follow -up depends on the depth of the tumor. “If it exceeds 6 mm, the risk of metastasis reaches up to 10%, then it needs closer follow -up. Superficial tumors are accompanied annually. Immunosuppressed patients need special attention.”
Even after withdrawal, those who had carcinoma should continue in surveillance. Usually it is a light -skinned one who has taken a lot of sun, and can develop other tumors. The ideal is an annual medical evaluation.
Warning signs: what to observe on the skin
Injuries that remain for more than a month should be investigated. “Scamous cell carcinoma, it usually has a red spot and begins to form a cone, begins to form a ruck that is the most common feature. The cellular base is a red ball. This is the most common feature, although it has several. Melanoma, which is the most aggressive, which is the most problem, are spots that change.”
Dr. Duprat recommends following the ABCDE rule: asymmetry, B of irregular edges, C of various colors, D of a diameter greater than 5 mm, and and evolution. “So if you have such an injury and we could even add and, which means it’s evolving and changing, this is a spot that has to be seen by someone.”
Sun Protection remains the best way
Dr. Duprat reinforced the importance of protecting himself from the sun: “The sun is very good. You go to the beach and if you want to walk, no problem. Put a hat and a protector and enjoy without much neurosis, enjoy the beach with the good things.”
