Skin cancers are becoming more common day by day. Some types, unfortunately, can be fatal if not treated properly in time. The most common skin cancers we encounter are Basal Cell Cancer (BCC), Squamous Cell Cancer (SCC) and Malignant Melanoma (MM).
Basal cell cancer is the most common type of skin cancer all over the world and in our country. It usually appears as a non-healing wound in the face or head and neck area. Treatment is simply removal of the lesion. However, depending on the size and location of the lesion, closing the gap may require a complicated plastic surgery procedure.
Squamous cell cancer can be a little more aggressive than BCC and requires more careful treatment and follow-up. SCC is more common on the face and head and neck. This often appears as a chronic wound that has not healed for a long time. Squamous cell cancer can metastasize or spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. Therefore, in a patient with this diagnosis, the neck lymph nodes should be examined and, if necessary, evaluated with ultrasonography. If there is spread, an additional surgery called neck dissection may be performed depending on the patient's condition. Because if there is spread to the neck lymph nodes, it will affect survival rates. The primary treatment for squamous cell cancer is surgical removal. Additional treatments may be needed.
Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous type of cancer among both skin cancers and all cancers. Because the behavior pattern may vary from patient to patient and even within the same patient. The general belief is that this cancer arises from existing moles, but this is an extremely rare condition. But they are very similar in appearance. The point that should be underlined is that this risk is significantly increased in congenital moles. Malignant melanoma can metastasize, that is, spread, through both lymph and blood. The primary treatment for this skin cancer is surgical removal. Additional treatments may be needed.
Points to underline regarding skin cancers:
a- a condition that has not healed in your body for a long time, especially in the face and head and neck area. If there is a wound or a crusting lesion, be sure to consult a dermatologist or plastic surgeon,
b- treatment of these cancers is possible if not delayed,
c- it is very important to remove the lesion large enough in the treatment of cancer,
d- Therefore, it is very important to start treatment with a plastic surgeon who can close the defect that will occur due to surgery.
It should not be forgotten that these are general information. Each patient should be evaluated by a physician experienced in this field and a treatment plan specific to the patient should be made.
Read: 0
