In May – Skin Cancer Awareness Month – European Melanoma Day is observed on the 11th to highlight the importance of prevention, surveillance, and early diagnosis of this type of skin cancer.
In Portugal, approximately 1,500 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year. However, despite its aggressiveness and high mortality rate among skin cancers, the prognosis can be significantly more favorable when the disease is diagnosed in its early stages.
In the laboratory setting, pathology plays a central role in the diagnosis and characterization of these lesions. Histological analysis allows for confirmation of the diagnosis, assessment of prognostic factors, and support for clinical decision-making, contributing to a more precise and personalized approach to the disease.
At the same time, Molecular Pathology is playing an increasingly important role in the management of melanoma, particularly in cases of advanced disease or tumor progression. Among the molecular tests currently available at IMP Diagnostics, we highlight the BRAF and NRAS tests.
IMP Diagnostics operates a Dermatopathology Unit, led by Dr. Herberto Bettencourt, which specializes in the diagnosis of skin diseases, including melanoma and other skin cancers. Distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions requires experience, diagnostic rigor, and clinical integration, and is often decisive for determining the course of treatment.
Behind every diagnosis lies a rigorous process of observation, analysis and scientific interpretation. In a month that highlights the importance of raising awareness about skin cancer and cancer in general, the contributions of Pathological Anatomy and Molecular Pathology remain essential for the early diagnosis and follow-up of patients with melanoma and other types of cancer.
Learn more about our Dermatopathology Unit.