BASAL CELL CANCER
It is the most common type of skin cancer in all countries. It originates from the basal cells of the skin. It is more common in fair-skinned people with excessive sun exposure. It most commonly develops on sun-exposed areas such as the face. Its development is slow and over the years. The blister, which is transparent at first, then turns into a wound. It usually does not spread. There is a risk of recurrence in advanced ages. Chemical carcinogens (such as arsenic) should be questioned when seen in areas of the body that do not see the sun frequently. It is known as a cancer that practically does not metastasize and spreads only in the area where it is located.
Recurrence can occur with all treatment methods of basal cell cancer. The 12-week treatment process with locally used immunomodulatory drugs is very effective and successful. Another form of treatment is surgical removal of the tumor. Mohs surgery is the most effective method in this regard. Cryotherapy (freezing method) is a painless alternative therapy method and recurrences are common. Radiotherapy and photodynamic therapy may also be preferred in some basal cell cancers.
SQUAMOUS CELL CANCER
It is a type of cancer that originates from the squamous cells of your skin. It develops in a short time and progresses rapidly. Metastasis rate is high. It can develop and transform on some skin diseases such as solar keratosis, actinic cheilitis, Bowen’s disease, which often develops due to sun damage. Therefore, the most important way to prevent this cancer is sun protection. The risk should be considered in those receiving PUVA therapy. Its frequency has increased in some genetic diseases with sun sensitivity. Again, its frequency is seen to increase in immunosuppression conditions such as organ transplantation, AIDS, and lymphoma.
Squamous cell cancer usually occurs over the age of 50. However, it is also seen at younger ages in sunny climates. It is seen 2-3 times more frequently in men than in women. The most common localization is the lower lip, and it is often seen in smokers and pipe smokers. Besides, it is localized on the cheek, nose, front of the ear and on the ear helix, and on the scalp of people with hair loss. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, it can also be found on the back of the hand, forearm, and anterior leg in women. Generally, when it reaches 1-2 cm in diameter, it becomes a raised lesion from the middle to ulcerated skin. Metastasis is especially higher in cancers located in the ear, lip and genital area. The prognosis worsens in cases with lymph node metastasis.
The treatment is surgical removal of the primary cancer. Mohs surgery should be preferred in those with high risk. Radiotherapy is another form of treatment in cases where surgery cannot be performed. Chemotherapy is applied in cases with internal organ metastases.
Since long-term ulcers and wounds and squamous cell carcinoma may develop from burns, these patients should be followed carefully.
MALIGN MELANOM
It is the most dangerous type of skin cancer that develops on moles. Familial predisposition, presence of multiple moles, history of sunburn are the most important risk factors for melanoma. This cancer, which originates from color cells, is one of the most common cancers in the middle age group in the Caucasian race, although its incidence is increasing rapidly. Melanoma most often develops from the skin, rarely from tissues such as the eye, mucous membrane of the brain. These cases should be followed carefully as they may develop from congenital large congenital moles in children. Those with fair skin, light eyes, blond-red hair, those living in sunny and mountainous regions, those who work under the sun due to their profession, those who had one or more serious sunburns in their childhood, those with a family history of melanoma, and those with a suppressed immune system are at higher risk.
Changes in moles must be evaluated in terms of cancer development. Disruption in symmetry, irregularity at the edges, color changes, enlargement and swelling in the mole can be signs of cancer. Screening and follow-up with a dermatoscopy device, which can show the changes in moles in detail, is extremely important for early diagnosis by dermatologists in risky people. Early diagnosis for melanoma is lifesaving. Dermatological control should be done every year, and the person should monitor his/her skin in front of the mirror every month. Suspicious moles should be surgically removed.
PROTECTION FROM SKIN CANCER IS HAND IN HAND WITH SUN PROTECTION.
While we dermatologists emphasize sun protection, we hear our patients say that they haven’t gone on vacation yet, they haven’t gone to the sea. Unfortunately, Ultraviolet has nothing to do with vacation or just the sea. In summer and winter, human skin is exposed to Ultraviolet. Those who work indoors at least during the commute hours, those who spend time at home go out to the balcony and the garden, and those who work outside should be protected from the sun at all times. Physical protectors such as hats and umbrellas must be taken into account. Sunscreens suitable for skin type should be renewed during the day and applied half an hour before going out. Please keep in mind that our children have skin sensitive to ultraviolet and will be affected more quickly by DNA damage caused by UV, and let’s show the same care to them.
