Skin Cancer

To achieve its identification, it is essential to pay attention to the variations that occur in the skin

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What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer involves an abnormal growth of cells in this sensory organ.

The skin has 3 main layers, these are:

Epidermis.
Dermis.
Hypodermis.

Most cancer appears in the first layer of skin due to overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays; however, it is a condition that does not apply in 100% of cases.

It is also possible to differentiate different types of skin cancer:

Squamous cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma

Melanoma

Other less common types that statistically account for 1% of all cases

(Merkel cell carcinoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, cutaneous lymphoma...)

Within this classification, basal cell cancer is the most frequently occurring; while melanoma is known for its more severe and aggressive behavior.

Symptoms

The symptoms of skin cancer are particular to each type, and skin lesions vary. However, in order to achieve its identification, it is essential to pay attention to the variations that occur in the skin, such as:

Moles that change their appearance (shape, size, or color).
Skin lesions that appear suddenly.
Bleeding through the lesions.
Tenderness to touch in an injured area.
Moles with irregular borders.
Injuries that hurt or itch.
Open sores and scabs that may heal to reappear.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a patient with skin cancer, the doctor will begin the interview by inquiring about the family history and all the details that can be gathered regarding the skin lesions that have occurred up to that point.

After the anamnesis, the physical evaluation allows the specialist to analyze for injuries and review their appearance. The lymph nodes are another point of attention, since in many cases the cancer spreads easily to these structures.

The main tests that may be referred to as part of the diagnostic process are:

Dermoscopy

A dermatological study that uses special instruments (dermatoscope) to look at the skin through special magnifying lenses.

Biopsy

For this type of cancer, a biopsy can be performed using different techniques. The skin sample can even remove the cancer cells completely; but a biopsy by scraping, puncture, incision/excision is possible.

Lymph nodes may also be analyzed through an excisional biopsy or fine-needle aspiration.

Imaging tests. X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging; They can be a good complementary resource in certain cases.

Treatment

The most effective treatment strategy is determined based on the degree of cancer spread (between stage 0 and 4).

Surgical alternatives include:

Excisional surgery

The removal technique used for diagnosis is also a therapeutic option. It consists of removing with a scalpel an area of tissue where the cancer is located and a portion of healthy skin around it. Due to the type of procedure, it is a wound that will leave a scar on the patient, but its results can be very effective and satisfactory.

Mohs Surgery

When the cancer is larger and you do not want to remove so much skin, the doctor applies this technique that makes a cut layer by layer for observation under a microscope. By doing this, it is possible to remove all malignant cells, without removing a lot of healthy tissue.

Curettage

It consists of scraping and cauterizing lesions that are merely superficial.

Lymph node surgery

Since they can be affected by cancer, they may be tested by biopsy or removed (dissection).

Other treatment options for skin cancer include:

Chemotherapies and radiotherapies. Individually or together, these treatments help fight cancer before and after surgery.
Photodynamic therapy. This method combines a beam of light with some specific drugs that help weaken cancer cells, then attack them and destroy them.

Preparing for Surgery

Patients with skin cancer should avoid placing any substance or medication on their lesions that has not been indicated by their treating physician; especially before performing an intervention.

Since skin techniques are so diverse, the specialist will indicate the recommendations that should be followed in each case according to the corresponding procedure.

An important element to keep in mind is that most methods leave a scar. If we combine this fact with the fact that most lesions occur in areas exposed to the sun, we are talking about possible marks on the arms or face that can affect emotionally.

Consulting your doubts with the specialist is the best way to obtain accurate and reliable information for decision-making. The advice and accompaniment of a plastic surgeon can also be favorable in certain patients.

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