Skin Cancer Treatment
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What is Skin Cancer?
Melanin, produced by skin cells called melanocytes, also gives the skin its color. The disease that occurs as a result of uncontrolled division and proliferation of these color pigments is called skin cancer. Skin cancer or melanoma is usually caused by intense exposure of the skin to the sun.
In skin cancer, which is divided into three different types: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma, cells grow very rapidly and spread systematically. As with all cancer treatments, early diagnosis is of great importance in skin cancer.
What are the Symptoms of Skin Cancer?
- Lesions that grow and swell in the shape of a bump.
- Moles with irregular edges and asymmetrical moles.
- If a person's tissue borders are irregular, bumpy and rough, it may require a check-up.
- Lesions larger than 5 mm in diameter also raise the suspicion of melanoma.
- Brightly colored bumps that appear red or flesh-colored on the skin.
- Swelling under the skin in areas such as the neck, armpits or groin.
- Wounds that cause constant bleeding and do not heal.
- Moles that constantly itch and cause pain.
- Any change in the size, shape or color of the glands can be a sign of skin cancer.
- Feeling tired is among the symptoms of skin cancer, although many people have the same condition.
- Newly formed or discolored moles and lesions on the body are also among the symptoms.
How to Treat Skin Cancer?
There are methods that can be applied together with skin cancer treatment. These can be listed as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy applications. These applications, which are preferred according to the needs of the patient, can be performed together with skin cancer treatment, which is the most basic treatment method.
The treatment process and method is planned depending on the stage of the cancer, the characteristics of the tumor lesion and the risk factor carried by the patient.
If a patient’s stage status is 0, a single treatment method can be applied in the treatment of skin cancer. In these operations where the tumorous lesion is surgically removed, anesthesia is applied to the patient and pain and suffering are minimized. Tumorous tissues of patients at this stage are removed together with 1/2 cm of normal tissue around and under the area.
The same is not true for patients in stage I - II. In these patients, the cancer is not expected to spread to the lymph nodes. Therefore, the tumorous melanoma tissue is completely removed with the surgery performed by the specialist. Then, it is checked to see if there is any spread. To be sure, a biopsy is taken from the lymph nodes.
Finally, stage III comes next. At this stage, the skin cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Therefore, these patients are diagnosed with advanced cancer. Effective treatment methods are used for patients to recover as soon as possible and live a healthy life. Both the cancerous skin lesion and the lymph nodes are surgically removed to prevent further damage to the body.
Types of Skin Cancer
Squamous Cell Cancer
Squamous cell cancer occurs in the middle and outer layers of the skin. It usually occurs on the face, scalp, hands and neck that are exposed to sunlight and heat-containing machines such as solarium. There is a higher risk of this condition, especially in people with weak immune systems. In addition, people with a history of skin cancer, fair skin and people over the age of 50 are more likely to develop squamous cell cancer. This type of cancer, which can also be seen after skin diseases, is seen in areas that are not exposed to the sun, such as the genital area, and the symptoms of SCC are similar to those of BCC. Squamous cell carcinoma, also abbreviated as SCC, can spread to internal organs and lymph nodes, so early diagnosis is very important.
Melanoma
The type of cancer caused by malignant proliferation of melanocyte cells is called melanoma. This condition, which occurs in melanocyte cells that give the skin its color, is considered the most dangerous type of skin cancer. If not diagnosed early, there is a risk of spreading to other organs. Apart from sunlight, genetic predisposition can also cause melanoma. This type of cancer, which usually occurs in the form of black or brown spots, can occur in any part of the body. Pink and blue spots are also among the symptoms of melanoma.
Basal Cell Cancer
The type of skin cancer seen in the top layer of the skin is called basal cell cancer. Basal cell cancer, the most common type of skin cancer, occurs mostly in areas exposed to sunlight. This type of cancer, which is more common in men over the age of 50 and fair-skinned people, is characterized by symptoms such as red spots, open wounds and bright blistering. It should be kept in mind that these wounds may cause side effects such as bleeding, crusting and itching.
Skin Cancer Mortality Rate
Of all cancers, skin cancer is the most common type. Due to damage to the DNA structure, an uncontrolled proliferation of cells on the skin surface can occur. The fact that there are 3 different types of skin cancer and the risk rates are not the same also affects mortality rates. It is good news that melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, is the least common skin cancer.
In addition, the fact that 75 percent of skin cancer mortality is due to melanoma cases shows how risky this type is. As a result, the mortality rate of skin cancer is 1 in every 100 patients. However, the risk of death can be eliminated with early diagnosis and correct treatment.
Skin Cancer Stages
Does Skin Cancer Kill?
Skin cancer, which is one of the most common cancer cases, is not as important as other types. However, this neglect may vary depending on the stage and type of skin cancer. Failure to carry out the necessary treatments and late diagnosis of cancer can make the process difficult. Early diagnosis of the most dangerous type of skin cancer, especially melanoma, plays a critical role.
If the tumor has spread to the lymph and internal organs, treatment can be challenging. It should also be recognized that delayed treatment can lead to death. Therefore, the answer to the question “Does skin cancer kill?” is yes. The fact that 1 out of every 100 patients dies is an example of this question.
Skin Cancer Spots
Things to Consider in Skin Cancer Treatment
The first issue things to consider in skin cancer treatment is early diagnosis of the problem. If the location, growth stage and type of cancer in a patient are determined early, the treatment process will be easier. These symptoms may also cause a change in the treatment plan.
In skin cancer, where more than one treatment method is applied, it is aimed to remove the tumor without any loss of function. For this purpose, another important consideration in the treatment of skin cancer is to determine the right method.
Generally, skin cancer occurs in areas exposed to the sun’s rays and the heat of the solarium. Therefore, attention is also paid to aesthetic appearance in treatments. Choosing the right doctor is one of the most critical details in treatment. Treatment by a physician specialized in the field will give more positive results.
Before and After Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Treatment Costs
Skin cancer treatment costs are determined according to the type and stage of skin cancer. If a patient will also undergo chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy, the cost may increase. However, it will be sufficient to treat a person whose disease is detected at the initial stage as a result of early diagnosis without the need for any application.
Therefore, there will be differences in skin cancer treatment costs. As a result, it can be misleading to give any cost without knowing the stage and type of cancer of the patient. If you want to get more detailed information about skin cancer treatment costs and the process, you can contact Lygos Clinic’s expert consultants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer Treatment
Prevention involves using sunscreen with a high SPF, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, avoiding tanning beds, and regularly examining your skin for any changes.
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