Skin Cancer and Suspicious Lesions

What it is

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Brazil. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas arise mainly in sun-exposed areas and have a high cure rate when treated early; melanoma is less common but more aggressive, and can arise from a changing mole or a new lesion. Pre-malignant lesions, such as actinic keratoses, also deserve treatment. At Femi Saúde, Dr. Ana Kappes examines the entire skin with dermoscopy, applies the ABCDE rule to moles, recommends a biopsy whenever there is any doubt, and guides treatment and follow-up, including full-body mole mapping for those at higher risk.

Most common symptoms

• Asymmetric mole with irregular borders
• Spot with multiple colors or very dark
• Lesion that grows or changes appearance
• Sore that does not heal within weeks
• Pearly or reddish nodule that bleeds
• Rough, persistent patch on a sun-exposed area
• Mole that itches, hurts or bleeds

Causes and risk factors

• Cumulative sun exposure and sunburns
• Fair skin, light eyes and light hair
• Many moles or atypical moles
• Personal or family history of skin cancer
• Use of tanning beds
• Immunosuppression and older age

How it is diagnosed

The evaluation includes examining the entire skin, paying attention to the scalp, nails and hard-to-see areas. Dermoscopy magnifies the structures of each lesion and is the main tool for distinguishing benign moles from suspicious lesions. When there is doubt or warning signs, the dermatologist performs a biopsy, which confirms the diagnosis and defines the type and depth of the tumor. For people with many moles or a history of melanoma, full-body mapping creates a comparative record. In confirmed cases, additional tests may be requested to assess the extent.

How we treat it at Femi Saúde

Treatment depends on the type, size and location of the lesion. Surgical removal with a safety margin is the standard for most carcinomas and for melanoma, and analysis of the specimen confirms whether the removal was complete. Superficial lesions and actinic keratoses can be treated with cryotherapy, specific creams or photodynamic therapy. More advanced cases are managed together with oncology and oncologic surgery, using modern therapies. After treatment, the dermatology team at Femi Saúde maintains regular follow-up, since anyone who has had skin cancer has a higher risk of new lesions, and reinforces daily sun protection.

What we offer