[Cutaneous melanomas, a spectrum of emerging cancers in women of Wallonia. Outlook by the Mosan Study Group of Pigmented Neoplasms]

Rev Med Liege. 1999 May;54(5):495-9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The Mosan Study Group of Pigmented Neoplasms was founded about 15 years ago. It has collected more than 20,000 cutaneous malignancies including melanomas and basal and squamous cell carcinomas. The incidence of these cancers is on the rise in Wallonia. In particular, malignant melanomas represent a spectrum of emerging cancers characterized by a proteiform biological outcome. They mostly affect young women. The major risk factor appears to be iterative and unwise ultraviolet exposures. The prevention of melanomas is basically founded on such a dogma and accordingly relies on sunscreens. However, controversies about their beneficial effects are rife and fueled by axiomas and contradictory sophisms. At the exception of surgery, the therapeutic options for the diverse types of melanomas do not yet fulfill the scope of evidence-based medicine.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / epidemiology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / prevention & control
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Melanoma / epidemiology*
  • Melanoma / prevention & control
  • Melanoma / therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Skin Neoplasms / therapy
  • Sunscreening Agents*
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects
  • Women's Health*

Substances

  • Sunscreening Agents