Santiago, Chile
Introducción el cáncer de piel continúa en aumento y la detección precoz es clave para mejorar la supervivencia, especialmente en poblaciones con limitado acceso a dermatología. Se realizó una campaña comunitaria orientada a mujeres de una zona urbana vulnerable para favorecer el diagnóstico temprano de lesiones sospechosas.
Material y métodos el 8 de marzo de 2025 se efectuó un operativo dermatológico en Huechuraba, Santiago de Chile. Siete residentes, 3 dermatólogos y personal de enfermería evaluaron voluntariamente a mujeres mediante un examen clínico y dermatoscopia. Se registraron datos demográficos, diagnósticos presuntivos y la conducta indicada; las lesiones sospechosas fueron derivadas a cirugía o teledermatología.
Resultados se atendieron 257 mujeres, 95% beneficiarias del sistema público. Se identificaron 5 lesiones sospechosas de malignidad (2%). Un caso compatible con melanoma y 4 con cáncer cutáneo no melanoma. Las lesiones benignas pigmentadas fueron las más frecuentes (56%). El 17% requirió cirugía menor, 16% derivación especializada y 50% controles en atención primaria. Solo 3% fueron casos urgentes.
Conclusiones la campaña evidenció alta demanda y permitió detectar oportunamente lesiones sospechosas en una población con barreras de acceso. Estos operativos, apoyados por teledermatología, representan una estrategia factible para mejorar la detección precoz y reducir inequidades en atención dermatológica.
Introduction Skin cancer continues to rise, and early detection is key to improving survival, especially in populations with limited access to dermatology. A community campaign targeting women in a vulnerable urban area was conducted to promote the early diagnosis of suspicious lesions.
Materials and methods On March 8, 2025, a dermatological outreach program was conducted in Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile. Seven residents, three dermatologists, and nursing staff voluntarily evaluated women using clinical examination and dermatoscopy. Demographic data, presumptive diagnoses, and recommended treatment were recorded; suspicious lesions were referred for surgery or teledermatology.
Results Were seen 257 women, 95% of whom were beneficiaries of the public healthcare system. Five lesions were identified as suspicious for malignancy (2%). One case consistent with melanoma and four with non-melanoma skin cancer. Benign pigmented lesions were the most frequent (56%). Minor surgery was required in 17%, 16% were referred to a specialist, and 50% were followed up in primary care. Only 3% were urgent cases.
Conclusions The campaign demonstrated high demand and allowed for the timely detection of suspicious lesions in a population facing barriers to access. These operations, supported by teledermatology, represent a feasible strategy to improve early detection and reduce inequities in dermatological care.