We can group the types of skin cancer into two main groups: melanoma skin cancer (“malignant moles”) and non-melanoma skin cancer. Within the latter group there are several types of tumors (carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, among others). By frequency, the most important skin tumors, and the ones we will focus on, are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.
Genetic predisposition is a very important factor in the development of many types of skin cancer. In addition, there are other factors involved such as:
- Exposure to ultraviolet radiation
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- People with immunosuppression
Early diagnosis of skin cancer determines the prognosis of the disease. It is very important in the case of malignant melanoma and high-risk squamous cell carcinoma, as both are tumors that can metastasize and, in advanced stages, can cause death. Survival is directly related to the stage of the tumor at the time of diagnosis.
Therefore, the appearance of dark spots or different moles, ulcers or wounds that do not heal, skin spots of various shades… should alert us.
Treatment of skin cancer, techniques for all cases
The treatment of skin cancer must always be individualized as it depends on various factors such as the type of malignant tumor to be treated, the patient’s age, associated diseases, the anatomical location of the tumor and previous treatments. In general, the main treatment is surgical excision. It can also be treated by creams, cryosurgery, curettage and electrocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy and laser, among others.
In the case of melanoma and high-risk squamous cell carcinoma, other interventions such as selective sentinel node biopsy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and experimental treatments may also be indicated.