Melanoma: epidemiología y factores de riesgo

Abstract

Although the cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM) has been the malignancy showing the highest increase of incidence all around the world, its mortality rate is relatively low. This has been attributed to a better understanding of its geographical distribution, the risks factors involved in the initiation and development of the disease, the inheritance factors, the racial characteristics, and solar exposure, the latter especially associated with sunburns during childhood. People’s self consciousness on a rational exposure to sunrays, as well as a curious and systematic surveillance attitude from primary care doctors seem to be the key issue to solve the problem of melanoma