Examination and treatment of non-melanoma type skin tumors

The reason behind the development of non-melanoma type skin tumors

Non-melanoma type skin tumors most often develop on areas of the skin exposed to UV-radiation. The skin cells - starting from childhood - because of the continual or intermittent exposure to the sunrays, or in extreme instances, sunburn, do not regenerate fully. The harmful effects of the UV-radiation for the skin are added together over the years.  Some of these lingering impairments in the skin cells can even cause cancerous deviations. 

The kinds of non-melanoma type skin tumors

Actinic keratosis
Lingering skin coloured growths with a ragged surface that develop on the areas most exposed to UV radiation (face, forehead, ears, top of the head). They are not cancerous, but in untreated cases, squamous epithelium cancer can develop from the symptoms, therefore, we call actinic keratosis a precancerous condition.

Squamous epithelium cancer
The excrescence of the squamous cells. Peeling skin mutation of a reddish colour with a ragged surface, in a latter stage minor swelling, and scar covered with scale. In untreated instances it can cause metastases, but it is a readily treatable disease if recognized in time. 

Basalioma
The most common skin cancer developed in the epithelial cells of the skin. It has superficial, noduled and pigmented forms. Its first symptom is usually a slowly growing, skin coloured growth, which might later cicatrise, then following the falling off of the sloughed skin, it bleeds again. The scar reappears continually. Basalioma only very rarely causes metastasis, it most commonly causes a slowly growing fistula that does not heal.

The treatment of non-melanoma type skin tumors

Actinic keratoses, small, superficial basaliomas and squamous epithelium cancers can be removed by either cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen, or with an electric surgical technique, or with using cytostatic or immune modifying creams that have a special effect, or with photodynamic therapy (PDT). 
The most effective treatment of the bigger, more advanced basaliomas and squamous epithelium cancers that are located at a high-risk place is surgical excision. In the case of an extensive tumor, plastic surgery might become necessary, with skin replacement.

Checking non-melanoma type skin tumors

The outcomes of treated tumors are good, because they only rarely cause metastasis. The follow-up is scheduled 3, 6 and 12 months following the excision. Afterwards, it is necessary to have a dermatological screening every year for 5 years.

Preventing non-melanoma type skin tumors

To prevent the harmful effects of UV-radiation, avoid constant exposure to sunshine and getting sunburnt. Observe sunbathing regulations, and avoid sunshine between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Use sunscreen lotions with a high sunscreen index that provide effective protection against both UV-A and UV-B radiation, and wear appropriate clothes (hat, cap, long-sleeved shirts). Also use sunscreen or a face cream containing sunscreen for your daily activities.
 
At our clinic, it is possible to examine skin tumors, and if necessary, to remove them at the same time. Book an appointment!