CUTANEOUS MELANOMA: SKIN’S ENEMY

Introduction and Aim: Cutaneous Melanoma is the most commonly fatal form of skin cancer.The incidence of melanoma has increased significantly worldwide over the last several decades. The clinician examination for skin cancer and ascertainment of risk factors can be carried out in tandem, taking only a few minutes, with a source of bright light and a magnifying lens. Melanomas can occur anywhere on the skin surface. Case Report: 76 years-old-female, caucasian (skin phototype II) , nun, ex-volunteer in Guinea for 20 years. Medical history; obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, type II diabetes mellitus and dementia. Ambulatory medication: metformin, lisinopril and rosuvastatin. Family history:unknown. She attends GP for a programed visit and shows a nevus on her left ear, with more than 10mm in diameter, irregular borders, asymmetry color variegation and nevi satellite. Unfortunately these nevi had two years of progression and no reference during medical visits. Cutaneous biopsy and sentinel lymph node biopsy, confirmed the diagnoses. Currently the patient is being studied for metastases. Conclusion: It is unanimous that family doctors should look for any suspicious lesions identified in the course of a routine or sick visit and make appropriate referrals for further evaluation of all such lesions.