In LatviaYesterday, 22:56, it will be possible to check birthmarks for free at the 1st hospital in Riga

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive skin tumors. Every year, about 200 cases of melanoma are discovered in Latvia, and in about 70 people it ends with a fatal outcome. The success of melanoma treatment lies in early diagnosis, so as the summer season approaches and as a reminder of the effects of sunlight on the skin, the hospital invites you to a free mole check.

Examinations will take place in the large conference hall of the hospital, building 2, Bruninieku street 5. You must sign up for the examination by calling the single information phone number +371 67366323 on weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm, on Saturdays from 9.30 am to 3 pm.

Pre-registration is required, as 20 minutes are planned for the examination of each patient. Free birthmark examination will be performed by resident dermatologists Yelizaveta Pavlova, Viktorija Rogova and Elina Krauce. During the examination, the doctor will ask the patient to undress down to his underwear in order to examine all skin formations with a diagnostic device – an optical dermatoscope, which allows you to see the formation in 10 times magnification. If suspicious formations are found during the examination, the doctor will invite the patient to come for a consultation for in-depth diagnosis and necessary treatment.

In the case of unusual skin formations, a specialist examination is desirable at any age, but special attention should be paid to skin formations in people who had skin burns in childhood, people with very light skin, blond or red hair, as well as in cases where there are more than 50 birthmarks on the whole body, such as also if a first-degree relative has had melanoma. Most often, melanoma is found in people over the age of 60, but it also occurs in younger patients. It is a very rare disease in children.

The biggest role in the prevention of skin tumors is the change of daily habits – regular application of skin creams with SPF50+ protective filter, avoiding intense sun, wearing covering clothing (wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, long sleeves), not visiting solariums. It is recommended to perform a skin self-examination at least once a year, paying attention to the color, symmetry, and sudden rapid growth of the formation. In cases of suspicious formations, it is necessary to consult a specialist.