Skin cancer – Melanoma
General information
Skin cancer contrary to melanoma is the most common cancer in humans. Basal cell carcinoma of the skin occurs first in a frequency of about 80%, followed by squamous cell carcinoma and tumors of the skin components. Skin cancer usually has a good prognosis as it is diagnosed quickly. The fact that it is obvious and aesthetically bothers patients contributes to the diagnosis. Skin cancer just like melanoma does not hurt but it is often annoying as it bleeds. If removed in the early stages a few millimeters it is completely curable while rarely recurring.
Particularly
The popular belief that these lesions should not be teased and that they are just pimples that “get wild” if one touches them is wrong especially when they appear in special places such as the nose, eyelids and generally on the head. Thus, we often see large cancers that are more difficult to remove without obvious postoperative scars and scars. In addition, we often see metastases in large tumors, although basal cell carcinoma has a mild biological behavior.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer commonly occurring on the lips, face and ears. It has metastatic potential especially in lymph nodes and for this reason it can be fatal. About 20% of non-melanoma skin cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Differentiation of BCC and SCC can often only be done using a microscope, as their external appearance may be exactly the same. SCC tends to grow faster, heal faster, as well as quickly form an overgrown tumor with or without crust.
Problems occur in neglected cancers. Patients who come with tumors of a few centimeters and especially in difficult places such as eyelids, nose, lips, ears and generally on the head recur more often even after removal and show increased morbidity and mortality.
Metastasis is easier in large tumors. Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is more biologically aggressive than basal cell carcinoma but fortunately it is about 15-20% rarer. It gets drunk more easily and relapses more often.
ABCDE Rule
The ABCDE rule is very useful for skin examination:
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- Α – Asymmetry
- B – Border: Irregular perimeter
- C – Color: two and three usually dark colors
- D – Diameter: over half a centimeter
- E – Evolving
In any case, a visit to the Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist to examine a new lesion can be life-saving.
Superficial lower eyelid resection for neglected lower eyelid cancer. Repair with a cartilaginous graft from the nasal septum. The skin restoration was done with a Tripier flap from the upper eyelid. Healing in two months.
- Surgery
- Skin cancer - Melanoma
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