Me And Skin Cancer Treatments

Skin cancers have been increasing in recent years with the effect of deteriorating environmental factors. There are no healthy statistical data on the frequency of skin cancers in our country. The skin consists of 2 layers. 1) Epidermis 2) Dermis The epidermis is the upper layer of the skin. It protects the body from external factors. It prevents water, electrolyte and heat loss. The dermis is under the epidermis. Hair follicles, sweat and sebaceous glands, vessels and nerves are in this layer. Deeper, there is subcutaneous adipose tissue. Skin cancers can originate from the basal layer of the epidermis or the upper cell layers. Although skin cancers are mostly on the head and neck, they can occur on the entire skin surface. Sun-exposed areas of the body are more candidates for skin cancers. WHO GETS SKIN CANCER? The main cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Electric lamps that emit ultraviolet rays and artificial tanning light sources can also cause skin cancers. It is a known fact that the thinning of the ozone layer, which protects the world against ultraviolet rays, causes a serious increase in skin cancers. Those most at risk are: - Fair-skinned, - Those who have freckles easily on their skin, - Those with many nevi (nevi) and their different shapes and sizes, - Those with a family history of skin cancer, - Those who spend a lot of time outdoors, - Those close to the equator , high altitudes or those exposed to intense sunlight year-round. Apart from these, - Radioactive radiation therapy (radiotherapy) applications for any reason, - Open wounds that remain unhealed for many years, - Tar, pitch, arsenic, etc. Skin cancers may also develop due to chronic exposure to chemical carcinogens such as - chronic exposure to microtraumas. WHAT ARE THE TYPES? 1. Basal Cell Cancer (BCC) originating from basal cells in the epidermis 2. Squamous Cell Cancer (SHC) originating from squamous (squamous) cells 3. Malignant Melanoma (MM) BCC originating from melanocytes (melanin producing cells); It is the most common skin cancer. He watches slowly. It does not metastasize. BCC is rarely life-threatening. SHK; It is another common type of skin cancer. It is common on the lips, face and ears. It can spread to the lymph nodes and sometimes to the internal organs. SCC can become life-threatening if left untreated. Malignant melanomas, the third type of skin cancer, are less common.

However, its incidence is increasing, especially in those living in sunny areas. It is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. However, if it is detected early, there is a chance that it can be fully cured. Delay in diagnosis and treatment is often fatal. ARE THERE OTHER SKIN TUMORS THAT CAN CANCER? Two common skin tumors that should be known are moles and keratoses. Moles are formed by clusters of heavily pigmented skin cells. Sometimes it is raised from the skin, sometimes it is at the same level with the skin. Sometimes it is present from birth. Sometimes it can happen later. Although most of them are not in danger, large and hairy giant moles that are present from birth and moles of different colors and whose borders cannot be clearly distinguished carry the risk of transforming into malignant melanoma. Moles; 1) For cosmetic reasons, 2) If they are constantly irritated by clothing and jewelry, 3) They are surgically removed because of the possibility of transforming into malignant melanoma. Solar or actinic keratoses are skin tumors that appear as brown or red patches with rough or scaly surfaces. They are usually seen on sun-exposed areas of the skin. These have the potential to turn into cancer. Those showing signs of transformation into cancer should be surgically removed. HOW ARE SKIN CANCERS RECOGNIZED? Basal and Squamous Cell Cancers can have various appearances. In general: 1) In the form of a small mass of white and pink color, 2) The surface is smooth, shiny or pitted, 3) Dry, scaly, in the form of a red spot, 4) Crusty, red, tuberous, 5) Small side by side with a crust 6) They may be in the form of a white patch resembling a scar. It is necessary to consider that such lesions that do not heal in 2-4 weeks, can cause bleeding and pain, may be cancer. Malignant Melanoma can usually start from a mole or normal skin. The following changes that occur in any mole should be accepted as warning criteria for cancer. 1. Asimetti 2. Irregularity of the margins 3. Being in different color tones 4. Crusting on it 5. Bleeding 6. Itching 7. Redness around 8. Hair growth 9. An increase in size more than 6 mm or abnormal. Moles with one or more of these changes should be surgically removed and subjected to histopathological examination for Malignant Melanoma. If all these variables seem complicated to you, it is very important to remember that.

Get to know your skin and inspect it regularly from head to toe. If you come across anything that makes you suspicious, consult a Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon immediately! Plastic surgeons surgically remove the tumor without disturbing the functional structure and in a way that provides the most aesthetic appearance. With the histopathological examination of the removed tissue, it can be understood whether it can be completely removed and whether there is any residue on the ground. With the histopathological examination, it is decided with which safety margin the tumor should be removed. It affects the treatment plan. HOW IS THE TREATMENT? Treatment varies according to the type of cancer, growth stage and location. If the cancer is small, the procedure can be easily performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia. In these small and less dangerous types, scraping (curettage) or desiccation of cancer cells with electric current can also be performed. However, these methods are less reliable in terms of treatment, and they are more likely to leave scars and deform. Major surgical procedures may be needed if the cancer is large, has spread to the lymph nodes or to another part of the body. Other possible treatment options in skin cancers are cryotherapy (destroying cancer cells by freezing), radiotherapy (radiation therapy), chemotherapy (administration of anticancer drugs). Before starting treatment, you should evaluate these methods with your doctor and seek answers to the following questions. - Which treatment method is safer in terms of destroying the tumor? - Which option suits you better? - How effective is it for your type of cancer? - What are the possible risks and side effects? - To what extent can the functional and cosmetic results you expect be achieved? IS IT RECURRENT? CAN RECURRENCE BE PREVENTED? Skin cancers can recur (recur). However, it is possible to reduce the risk of recurrence or reduce the risk of recurrence that may occur. For this: - Regularly follow the controls called by your doctor. - Avoid being exposed to the sun during the summer months, especially between 11:00 and 15:00. Remember that ultraviolet rays can pass through water and clouds and reflect off sand and snow. - If you need to be outside for a long time, wear wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved dresses. - For exposed skin areas, use creams with a sun protection factor of at least 30. Continue to use these creams at regular intervals after swimming and sweating. - Finally, examine your skin regularly. If you have any doubts, consult your Plastic Surgeon as soon as possible.