Skin cancer take skin lesions seriously

Skin cancer: serious skin lesions in seniors

03/03/2015

Seniors should take changes in the skin and non-healing sites seriously and not simply dismiss them as signs of aging. Especially in older age, this could be an indication of skin cancer. Patients should consult a dermatologist.

Skin cancer can be behind harmless skin crust
Older people should take unclear, non-healing skin lesions seriously and not just dismiss them as an aging symptom. Especially in old age can put behind a harmless acting skin crust a bright skin cancer. The Professional Association of German Dermatologists (BVDD) points to this, according to a news agency dpa. As a rule, the cause of the pale skin cancer is a decade-long UV exposure of the skin. Patients should contact a dermatologist.

Carcinoma can form metastases
However, many elderly people are reluctant to treat slow-growing tumors because they are considered unnecessary or too burdensome, explains the BVDD. However, in the worst case, the carcinoma may bleed, expand or even form metastases over and over again. Usually, the light skin cancer is surgically removed. As an alternative, radiotherapy is also available. Important is the early diagnosis. Studies have shown that 99 percent of patients still live after five years if melanoma at diagnosis was less than 1 millimeter.

Claim for screening
In Germany, insured persons from the age of 35 have a right to a screening test every two years, which is paid by the health insurance company. Both dermatologists and other physicians with special training can carry out such an investigation. The screening usually begins with a preliminary talk and lasts about fifteen minutes. The body is meticulously examined from the vertex to the toe spaces. Usually the doctor has a bright lamp and a trained eye. (Ad)