home Audience 1 Oncological diseases of the skin of the face. Treatment of skin cancer: evaluation of effectiveness and modern methods of therapy. Folk methods of treatment

Oncological diseases of the skin of the face. Treatment of skin cancer: evaluation of effectiveness and modern methods of therapy. Folk methods of treatment

At the beginning of the article, let's put on a cynic's cassock, but rather a doctor's white coat (it's hard to imagine big cynics, let representatives of this respected profession not be offended by me) and dream up a little. Imagine that on the grave of a person who died untimely, his diagnosis or cause of death would be written: then, at least, the terrible word “cancer” would be written on every 9-10 monument. Today in our article we will talk about skin cancer. I must say right away that this is not the most common oncological disease, it accounts for something about 5% of all cases of cancer. But this form of cancer, unlike or, does not know gender differences and affects both men and women equally, as a rule, after 50 years.

Causes of Skin Cancer

The causes of skin cancer can be divided into external and internal.

External causes

External causes that provoke the occurrence of skin cancer include:

UV radiation, including the sun's rays. Cancer can provoke even a single, but intense exposure to the heavenly body, which is especially true for such a form of cancer as melanoma. Most often, people who are under the scorching sun not regularly, but from time to time (for example, when an inveterate office worker goes on a beach vacation) get sick with it. In recent years, the impact of this particular factor is gradually becoming decisive, because. the scale of destruction of the ozone layer, which blocks UV rays, is increasing. Another unfavorable place in relation to skin cancer is solariums;
mechanical trauma to the skin at the location of birthmarks (pigmented nevi);
exposure to fluorescent lighting devices (this factor is still more out of the zone of assumptions).

Internal causes

Internal causes (predisposing factors) for the development of skin cancer include:

race. "True Aryans" are more prone to skin cancer. Representatives of the Negroid race in this sense can sleep peacefully. At risk - blondes and people with fair skin, eyes, hair;
poor state of the immune system. Immunodeficiency predisposes to skin cancer (and not only to it). In this regard, pregnancy poses some danger, in which conditions are created for the degeneration of pigmented nevi;
gender and age. For example, melanoma is most common in women, and mostly in women of "Balzac" age;
burdened heredity.

Precancerous diseases

Precancerous skin diseases are obligate, i.e. in the end, they are necessarily converted into cancer, or optional, they are not always transformed into cancer, in this case, malignancy occurs depending on the course of the disease and a number of other factors.

Obligatory precancerous skin diseases

Paget's disease- is diagnosed in most cases in women over 60 years old, but men are also susceptible to this disease. By the way, they are characterized by a more aggressive manifestation of it. The disease is expressed in the development of a group of atypical cells in the peripapillary zone, less often in other parts of the body that have apocrine sweat glands: the skin of the penis in men, the vulva in women, or the perineum. According to statistics, more than 95% of people with Paget's disease have breast cancer. Paget's disease requires radical approaches to treatment.

Bowen's disease. This disease is an intraepidermal skin cancer that occurs most often on the genitals in uncircumcised men from 40 to 70 years old. Sometimes it also occurs on mucous surfaces in the oral cavity. The disease manifests itself in the form of plaques of copper-red color with fuzzy scaly edges, prone to growth along the periphery.

Pigmented xeroderma- an extremely rare genetic disease caused by an autosomal gene, manifested in excessive sensitivity to solar radiation. Due to increased photosensitivity, spots form on open areas of the skin, in which pigment is subsequently deposited, after which peeling and atrophy of the affected parts of the skin occur, which degenerate into malignant neoplasms.

Facultative precancerous skin diseases

Chronic dermatitis arising from contact with potent carcinogens, as well as as a result of X-ray exposure.

Skin horn- a dense, convex neoplasm of dark brown color. Most often it is formed in mature and old age on open areas of the skin.

Atheroma, warts and papillomas, subjected to frequent mechanical stress.

Scarring after syphilis, burns, lupus. Trophic ulcers.

Keratoacanthoma- a benign tumor that most often occurs in people over 50 years old on open areas of the skin: face and head.

Senile dyskeratosis. Manifested in the form of keratinized layers of gray or brown skin

Symptoms and signs of skin cancer in the early stages

There are a number of first signs of skin cancer - the initial degeneration of a birthmark (nevus) to the malignant side:

an increase in horizontal and vertical dimensions: it begins to protrude above nearby tissues;
a previously correct mole becomes asymmetric and takes on bizarre outlines, sometimes with torn edges;
discoloration, local depigmentation;
itching and burning in the mole area;
irritation of the skin over the mole up to the appearance of a small sore;
wet weeping surface of the mole, sometimes - bleeding;
if there was a hairline on the nevus, then its loss;
peeling of the surface of the mole with the formation of a dry cortical layer;
small puncture seals on the mole;
the appearance of moles in the neighborhood;
change in the state of aggregation of the nevus - its softening or, conversely, compaction;
suspiciously shiny surface of the mole;
the disappearance of the skin pattern from the surface of the mole.

Types of skin cancer

There are 4 types of skin cancer:

Basalioma or basal cell carcinoma of the skin.
It got its name from the place of its "growth" - the basal layer of the epidermis. This tumor lacks the ability to metastasize and recur. Its migration is directed mainly into the depth of tissues with their inevitable destruction.

About 8 out of 10 of all skin cancers are of this type.

This is the least dangerous of all types of skin tumors. The exception is those cases when the basalioma is located on the face or auricles: in such circumstances, it can reach impressive volumes, affecting the nose, eyes, and damaging the brain. Most often occurs in older people.

Squamous cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
This type of skin cancer occurs in the deeper layers of the skin - among keratinocytes. It is prone to aggressive growth and metastasis to the lymph nodes and internal organs. It does not always develop in open areas of the body: sometimes it can occur, for example, in the mouth.

Cancer of the skin appendages.
Malignant neoplasm with localization in the sebaceous and sweat glands or hair follicles. A very rare form of skin cancer. The clinical picture is identical to squamous cell carcinoma. An accurate diagnosis is established after a histological examination.

Melanoma.
It is a highly aggressive skin tumor that develops from pigment cells - melanocytes. Melanoma is subject to extremely rapid metastasis, which can no longer be influenced. Outwardly, it resembles a blue-black or pinkish pigment spot. The start to its development can be an ordinary mole.
In some rather rare cases, this type of cancer can develop in the conjunctiva or other structures of the eye, on the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, possibly the rectum and vagina.

According to statistics, 1% of the total number of cancers is melanoma.

Diagnosis of skin cancer

First, the oncologist carefully examines the mole under a magnifying glass. Then, if there are suspicions, the patient is subjected to a radioisotope study. In cancer, the accumulation of radioactive phosphorus in the damaged area of the skin is 300-400% compared to normal skin. The "gold standard" for skin cancer testing is a cytological examination of prints from an ulcer or a small amount of tissue taken from a tumor. Another common method is a biopsy, when, when a piece of a tumor is excised, for clarity, a section of healthy tissue is captured.

Metastases are identified using ultrasound and computed tomography.

Skin cancer stages

According to the generally accepted classification, there are 4 stages of skin cancer. At the initial stage of skin cancer, the tumor does not exceed 2 cm, at the 2nd - no more than 5. For the 3rd stage, in addition to the tumor size of more than 5 cm, metastases to nearby lymph nodes are characteristic. The 4th stage is practically the finish line: metastases affect muscles, bones, cartilage.

Skin Cancer Treatment

Treatment of skin cancer, one way or another, is associated with surgical intervention. Objectively, surgical removal of the tumor is the most effective treatment option, allowing not only to survive, but also to avoid the return of the neoplasm. The operation to remove the tumor is its excision and removal of adjacent lymph nodes (unless, of course, they are affected). After a successful operation, radiation or drug therapy is prescribed, or even all at once.

Radiation therapy - irradiation of the skin area where the tumor was located. It allows you to destroy the cancer cells that are left after the operation. On average, a patient is irradiated for 3-4 weeks.

Drug treatment of skin cancer (chemotherapy) involves the use of various drugs, the action of which is aimed both at the destruction of tumor cells and at increasing the overall immunity of the body. By the way, chemotherapy for skin cancer is rarely used.

The likelihood of a favorable outcome in skin cancer is relatively high (this does not apply to melanoma). The only thing is that even an operation does not always help at the advanced stages. Unfortunately, relapses are not uncommon in skin cancer, especially after errors in radiation therapy or with incomplete removal of the tumor.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers. According to statistics, among all cancer patients, more than 11% suffer from malignant skin tumors. And this figure is constantly growing, as more and more factors that provoke the development of skin cancer appear.

The concept of skin cancer includes all malignant neoplasms that form on the skin (ICD code 10 - C44, C43). They very quickly increase in size, grow into deep subcutaneous layers, and can affect the vascular plexuses. Most often, malignant skin tumors occur on open areas of the body - the face, neck, shoulders. Less commonly, neoplasms are localized on the trunk, upper or lower extremities.

What does skin cancer look like? Depending on the type of neoplasm, skin cancer may look like a non-healing ulcer, constantly growing in size, or a red, red-brown, or even black induration. Sometimes a malignant tumor looks like a flat mole with jagged edges, prone to bleeding. In rare cases, skin cancer at the initial stage does not differ in color from healthy areas and only a slight swelling covered with a flaky crust can be seen.

What are the reasons for the development of the pathological process?

The development of skin cancer can occur for a wide variety of reasons, which are not always possible to establish, but they all stimulate the violation of the structure of cells, leaving them with only two functions - growth and division.

Predisposing factors

In most cases, the cause of skin cancer is not a single factor, but a combination of genetic mutations, internal body malfunctions, and external environmental influences.

The main factors that can provoke the occurrence of skin cancer can be identified:

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Contact with chemical carcinogens (coal, asbestos, resin, lubricating oils, varnishes, paints).
Regular exposure of the skin to high temperatures.
Prolonged exposure to X-rays (work in an X-ray room without protective equipment).
Frequent injury to the skin, especially birthmarks, nevi.
Failure of the immune system, including against the background of long-term use of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, cytostatics.

A few decades ago, the theory was put forward that oncological diseases can be transmitted from person to person. In this regard, the question arises, is skin cancer transmitted? After many studies, it was found that the skin tumor is not transmitted by any known contact, airborne, fecal-oral, domestic and sexual routes.

Pathogenesis

The appearance of skin cancer is preceded by a change in cells that differ in their properties from healthy ones. In mutated cells, the programs of cell death and the aging process are disrupted, the ability to invade and metastasize appears, and in some cases, the process of angiogenesis is triggered.

Initially, one or more cells undergo mutation, since they are able to rapidly divide, the neoplasm quickly increases in size and penetrates into the deeper layers.

If the tumor does not have enough nutrition, it forms new blood vessels, which leads to the rapid spread of cancer cells throughout the body. Where the first ones appear depends on the location of the primary tumor. But most often they are found in the nearest lymph nodes, liver and lungs.

Precancerous conditions

The causes of skin cancer are not only factors that stimulate cell regeneration, but also existing diseases that can degenerate into malignant tumors. There are two types of precancerous conditions:

Optional, there is a high risk of degeneration into skin cancer:

Obligate precancerous conditions that always turn into cancer:

Bowen's disease.
Erythroplakia Keira.
Paget's disease.
Pigmented xeroderma.

To prevent or delay the development of skin cancer, patients with these conditions need to see a dermatologist regularly and be treated carefully.

Classification of skin tumors

Classification of skin cancer by stages and degree of differentiation is necessary for the correct selection of treatment tactics.

Skin cancer stages

The development of skin cancer goes through four stages, which gradually replace each other. The transition from one stage to another takes some time, usually several months. But in patients with reduced immunity, the disease develops more rapidly.

Stages of skin cancer:

The initial stage is a small, superficial and mobile focus, up to 2 cm in diameter. There are no lesions of deep structures and metastases, so most patients achieve recovery.
The second - the diameter of the neoplasm is up to 4 cm, soreness and damage to the deep layers of the epidermis appear. Sometimes a single focus of metastases is diagnosed in the nearest lymph node.
The third is a lumpy neoplasm with limited mobility, more than 4 cm in size. There are metastases in the lymph nodes, but there is no damage to the internal organs.
Fourth - the skin tumor grows significantly, grows into the deep subcutaneous layers, affects the muscles, bones and cartilage. The primary tumor actively releases metastases that spread throughout the body.

Skin melanoma has an additional stage - zero, in which cancer cells form in the area of an existing birthmark, do not go beyond it and do not spread to the dermis.

TNM classification

The classification of skin cancer according to the TNM system describes three indicators - the size of the primary tumor, the involvement of the lymph nodes and the presence of distant metastases.

T - dimensions of the primary tumor:

TX - no sufficient data.
TO - the tumor is not determined.
Tis is a pre-invasive carcinoma.
TI - the size of the neoplasm is not more than 2 cm.
T2 - tumor size up to 5 cm.
TK is an extensive neoplasm, more than 5 cm in size.
T4 - the malignant process has moved into deep tissues: muscle, cartilage, bone.

N - state of the lymph nodes:

NX - it is impossible to determine the status of regional lymph nodes
N0 - no signs of regional metastases.
N1 - secondary tumors are found in regional lymph nodes.

M - the presence of metastasis:

MX - lack of data to detect distant metastases.
MO - no distant metastases.
M1 - there is a lesion of internal organs.

The T-value for melanoma is based on the thickness of the neoplasm, the presence and absence of ulcers:

Tis - separate groups of cells, cancer in situ.
T1a - Neoplasm less than 1 mm thick, without ulcer.
T1b - less than 1 mm thick, with an ulcer.
T2a - 1-2 mm thick, no ulcer.
T2b - 1-2 mm thick, with an ulcer.
T3a - 2-4 mm thick, no ulcer.
T3b - 2-4 mm thick, with an ulcer.
T4a More than 4 mm thick, no ulcer.
T4b - melanoma greater than 4 mm thick, with an ulcer.

Indicators N and M characterizing the state of regional lymph nodes and distant internal organs in melanoma do not differ from other types of skin cancer.

Degrees of differentiation

In the process of histological examination, the degree of differentiation of cancer cells is determined:

GX - the degree of differentiation is not determined.
G1 - high differentiation.
G2 - medium differentiation.
G3 - low differentiation.
G4 - undifferentiated cancer.

The higher the degree of differentiation, the less the structure of malignant cells is changed, and, therefore, they are less aggressive. The most aggressive and rapidly progressing skin cancer is undifferentiated, formed from completely changed cells that have nothing to do with healthy ones.

Skin cancer: symptoms and signs

Symptoms of skin cancer at the initial stage are hidden, while a small amount of tissue has undergone regeneration. At an early stage, changes are observed only at the cellular level, but with an increase in the number of tumor cells, the first skin manifestations appear.

But at the same time, we can say that the theoretical possibility of detecting this disease in the early stages can be considered a feature of the clinic of a malignant neoplasm of the skin. Signs that you should pay special attention to in the first place are the appearance on the skin of previously unobserved elements of a rash and a change in appearance, which are accompanied by itching or pain, scars, papillomas, nevi, trophic ulcers on the skin.

The appearance of a rash, in contrast to the skin manifestations of infectious, allergic and systemic diseases, is not accompanied by any changes in the general condition of the patient.

Signs of skin cancer to watch out for include:

the appearance of new moles or age spots on the skin;
change in the shape and color of existing moles;
uneven and fuzzy boundaries of the birthmark;
neoplasms that rise above the skin of red, brown or black;
the appearance of a non-healing ulcer, increasing in size;
darkening of a previously normal area of \u200b\u200bthe skin with a tendency to increase;
ulceration that does not heal for a long time with a bloody discharge;
also signs of manifestation of skin cancer include itching, redness and induration around the area that causes concern;

Usually, these symptoms of skin cancer go unnoticed, especially if the tumor forms in a closed area of the body.

The photo shows skin cancer of different types and types.

Most patients see a dermatologist when additional signs of skin cancer appear:

pain in the area of the tumor;
redness swelling around the neoplasm;
itching (appears not always);
profuse peeling;
rapid growth of neoplasm.

Skin cancer at stage 3 begins to affect the surrounding tissues to germinate deep subcutaneous layers. If the tumor is localized on the face, the bones of the face, sinuses, ears, and brain are involved in the process. There may be loss of vision or hearing, impaired sense of smell, paresis and other complications, up to death. If a skin tumor forms on the body, it can grow into the internal organs, disrupting their functions.

Also at stages 3 and 4, common symptoms of skin cancer appear:

constant fatigue, a sharp decrease in performance;
sleep disturbances, in the form of constant drowsiness or insomnia;
excruciating headaches;
swelling and hardening of nearby lymph nodes;
pain in the body in the area of spread of metastases;
lack of appetite, significant weight loss.

At the 4th stage of skin cancer, pain in the body becomes constant and painful, symptoms of intoxication appear, indicating the decay of the tumor or dysfunction of the internal organs.

It is also worth noting that different forms of skin cancer have their own characteristics and clinical manifestations.

Squamous cell skin cancer: symptoms and localization

This type of tumor is detected in 10% of cases;
The highly differentiated form develops very slowly from the moment of the first manifestations to the last stages, which gives a more favorable prognosis in diagnosis and treatment, but it is also worth noting that there are also forms with low histological differentiation, their course can be very aggressive.
Squamous cell skin cancer appears against the background of precancerous diseases such as: dermatitis, trophic ulcers of various origins, scars.
Tumor in the form of a red scaly plaque with clear boundaries from surrounding tissues. The neoplasm is quite easy to injure, after which it does not heal, and acquires an ulcerated moist surface covered with scales. Skin lesions have a sharp unpleasant odor.
Most often, squamous cell carcinoma develops on the extremities and face.
Localization of squamous cell skin cancer without signs of keratinization on the glans penis is called Keyr's disease.
Pain at the site of localization of manifestations of skin cancer is a sign of the spread of the tumor into the depths of the tissues.
Metastases to distant organs rarely spread, they are detected only in isolated, advanced cases.
Metastases in regional lymph nodes in the localization of the tumor on the face are more common than in the localization of the tumor on the extremities, torso and head. The manifestation of metastases in the lymph nodes is noted first by an increase in the size of the nodes, while they remain mobile and painless. Later, with the growth of the tumor, they are fixed to the skin, and become sharply painful, they disintegrate with ulceration of the skin in their projection.
The tumor responds well to timely radiation treatment.

Basalioma of the skin or basal cell skin cancer: symptoms and localization

Most often affects people aged 60 years and older.
Perhaps a combination with tumors of other internal organs.
Skin basalioma occurs in 70-76% of cases of all types of skin cancers.
The basalioma is localized mainly on the face, namely on one side of the bridge of the nose, the superciliary region, the outer edges of the wings of the nose, the temple, the wings of the nose, on the upper lip and in the region of the nasolabial fold). Quite often, basalioma affects the neck and auricles.
Appears as a flat single up to 2 cm in diameter or confluent, up to 2-3 mm nodular formation. It has a rich dark pink color with a pearly sheen. The tumor grows rather slowly. The basalioma spreads to other parts of the body, in very rare cases. Unlike other forms of skin cancer, the surface of a basal cell remains intact for quite a long time.
With a certain period of time, the plaque ulcerates and takes the form of an ulcer or wound spreading over the surface of the skin, with raised edges in the form of a thickened shaft. The bottom of the ulcer is covered with a dry crust. Non-ulcerated areas retain their whitish sheen.
The bottom of the formation of an ulcer gradually deepens and expands, while growing deep into the tissues of the skin and bones, while destroying muscles and bones on its way. Defects on the skin can occupy more areas of the skin, spreading in breadth. Metastases in basalioma are not observed.
With the formation of a tumor on the face or auricles, there is a possibility of sprouting into the nasal cavity, into the eyeball, bone structures of the inner ear up to the brain.

Skin adenocarcinoma: symptoms and localization

A rare form of skin cancer that occurs in places richest in sebaceous and sweat glands, namely: under the mammary glands, in the groin, in the armpits.
It manifests itself as a single protruding above the surface, a small knot of several millimeters in size. The color is bluish purple. Differs in slow growth. In rare cases, the tumor reaches a size of up to 8-10 cm, rarely grows into deep muscles and intermuscular spaces and metastasizes.
The main complaints are related to the soreness of the tumor with ulceration and the addition of a secondary infection.
It is possible to relapse at the same place after removal of the formation.

Melanoma: symptoms and localization

A rare neoplasm that is diagnosed in 15% of cases of skin lesions and in 2-3% of cases of malignant tumors of other organs and systems.
90% of patients are women.
It is localized mainly on the face and anterior surface of the chest, limbs. In men, it occurs on the plantar surface of the feet, toes. Less commonly localized on the palms, nail beds, conjunctiva of the eyes, oral mucosa, anal area, rectum, vagina.
There is a change in the color of the mole to a bright red color or vice versa, discoloration with various shades of gray.
The edges of the birthmark change to uneven, asymmetric, blurred, or vice versa, jagged.
A change in consistency, namely swelling and induration of the appearance of the surface of an existing mole.
The appearance of pain and itching in the area of nevi.
An increase in the size of the nevus with the appearance of a watery discharge.
The hairline disappears from the mole.
The appearance next to a mole that has changed in color and size, in nearby areas of the skin, multiple pigment spots with ulceration, bleeding and itching. This indicates malanoma in the later stages.
The appearance, painted in red-brown shades, of an uneven spot resembling a birthmark, on previously clean areas of the skin.
Newly formed nevi may include black, white, or bluish dots.
Also, in some cases, the resulting formation may take the form of a protruding black node.
The size of the tumor is about 6 mm.
The tumor is actively growing and rapidly metastasizing.
Metastasis is predominantly multiple, one-time, lymphogenous and by blood flow. Metastases affect the bones, meninges, liver, lungs, brain. In the foci of screenings, almost immediately and at a high speed, a secondary cancerous tumor begins to develop and again spreads further along the lymphatic and blood vessels.

In the later stages of melanoma, signs of general intoxication and manifestations of metastasis are predominant:

swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or groin;
seals under the skin with its excessive pigmentation or discoloration above them;
weight loss;
dark gray shade of the entire skin (melanosis);
paroxysmal, intractable cough, cough;
headache;
loss of consciousness with the development of convulsions.

It is worth noting! The appearance of benign birthmarks, moles or nevi stops after puberty. Each new formation of this kind, which appeared on the skin in adulthood, requires close attention!

The most common types of skin cancer

How does skin cancer manifest itself? External manifestations, symptoms and signs of skin cancer may vary slightly, depending on the morphological structure of the neoplasm. Treatment tactics and survival prognosis also depend on the type of skin cancer.

What does skin cancer look like?

Basal cell skin cancer or basalioma

- the least aggressive cancer formation that can develop for years without causing other symptoms, except for changes in the skin. The tumor is formed from the basal layer of the epidermis, often formed on the face or scalp, very rarely found on the body and limbs.

Outwardly, a simple (knotty) basalioma is one or more fused nodules of flesh, gray or pale pink color. The surface is covered with a flaky crust, which is better not to rip off - bleeding immediately appears.

Nodular-ulcerative and ulcerative basalioma do not have external differences from a simple form, but over time, an expression forms on the surface of the node. Warty basalioma outwardly resembles a papilloma, which does not grow into deep tissues and rarely grows to large sizes.

Less common are other forms of basal cell skin cancer:

Pigmentary (similar to melanoma in the later stages and acquires a black-brown or even black-blue color, due to the blood pigment, hemosiderin, in the bottom of the ulcer).
Large-nodular.
Sclerodermiform.
Perforating.
Spiegler's tumor.
Adenoid.
Hyalinized
Dermal.
Cystic.
Pagetoid.
Multicentric.
Keratinizing.
Mesh.
Trabecular.
Nodular-ulcerative.

The most dangerous is a perforating basalioma, which can quickly penetrate into the deep subcutaneous layers, cartilage and bone tissues. Other forms of basal cell carcinoma rarely grow into deep layers and rarely spread metastases.

Squamous cell skin cancer

The most common and more aggressive than basalioma. The most common occurrence of squamous cell skin cancer occurs in the face, hands and external genitalia.

It is divided into three subspecies:

Keratinizing - formed from keratinizing cells that can accumulate keratin in themselves. Very quickly increases in size and penetrates into deep tissues.
Non-keratinizing highly differentiated - is formed from cells that practically do not differ in structure from healthy ones. Slowly progressing, responds well to treatment.
Non-keratinizing low-grade - the most aggressive form, characterized by rapid growth and early spread of metastases.

Three forms of skin cancer, depending on appearance:

Plaque - dense and rough to the touch tubercles, towering above the skin. Rapidly grows in diameter, grows into deep tissues, is able to bleed when damaged.
Knotty (papillomatous) - a cluster of brown nodules of various sizes, outwardly resembling a cauliflower inflorescence.
Ulcerative - the neoplasm is presented in the form of an ulcer, which has high borders with a depression in the center. Distinguished by an unpleasant odor and rapid growth.

Squamous cell skin cancer can form in healthy areas, but most often localized at the site of papillomas, scars, burns and other tissues that are often subjected to mechanical damage.

Melanoma

- a highly aggressive neoplasm that develops from melanocytes, therefore, it most often forms in the area of age spots. This localization makes it difficult to diagnose, so melanoma is more often detected in the second stage of the disease.

In most cases, melanoma develops from existing nevi and moles, less often it is characterized by the formation of a new birthmark. Outwardly, it is a pigmented spot or mole, which has an asymmetric shape and uneven pigmentation - from light brown to black. In rare cases, melanoma has a rounded shape if it is formed from an already existing mole.

Skin melanoma is rapidly progressing and quickly spreads metastases throughout the body. Even with the highest quality treatment, it is difficult to achieve a full recovery, so the prognosis of melanoma is extremely unfavorable.

Sarcoma

Skin sarcoma includes a group of rare malignant neoplasms formed from atypical connective tissue cells. Most often, sarcoma is localized in the forearms, lower extremities, abdomen and chest.

Externally, skin sarcoma is a dense knot or plaque protruding above the skin. Color from pale pink to red-bluish, sometimes with a brown tint. The size of the sarcoma varies from a few millimeters to tens of centimeters. There is usually a large spot around which small daughter plaques develop.

Skin sarcoma is characterized by a high ability to involve the lymph nodes surrounding the soft, cartilaginous and bone tissues, vascular and nerve plexuses in the malignant process. It rapidly spreads metastases to internal organs, mainly in lung tissue.

How to recognize skin cancer, key diagnostic points

How to recognize skin cancer? It is quite difficult to distinguish malignant neoplasms from benign tumors on their own. But, if the skin lesion has uneven borders, differs in color from the surrounding tissues, rapidly increases and is accompanied by pain, it is urgent to visit a dermatologist.

It is quite difficult to visually determine skin cancer at the initial stage, even for an experienced doctor, therefore, to make a diagnosis, a dermatologist uses a dermatoscope to determine the degree of danger of cancer formation. After dermatoscopy, the patient is referred for a consultation with an oncologist.

includes the following studies:

Visual inspection and palpation of the neoplasm.
Taking a smear for cytological examination if an expression is present on the surface of the tumor.
Biopsy of the affected area followed by histological examination.
Radioisotope study with phosphorus.
Thermographic study.
Spectrophotometry.
Yaksh reaction.

These methods allow diagnosing skin cancer, determining the type and form of the neoplasm, as well as the degree of cell differentiation. Further diagnosis consists in examining the whole body to determine the prevalence of the malignant process and the presence of metastases.

Additional research:

Ultrasound of lymph nodes and internal organs.
Osteoscintigraphy.
X-ray of the chest and bones near the tumor.
Computed and magnetic resonance imaging.
General and biochemical blood tests.

Tumor marker tests are done to detect skin cancer at an early stage, before clinical signs appear. Tests for tumor markers TA-90 and S100 are the most informative. Annual blood tests for tumor markers for skin cancer are recommended for patients who are at risk of developing cancer.

Why is cancer dangerous?

The development of skin cancer is dangerous in itself due to the spread of metastases that can be localized in any part of the body. Secondary tumors that form in the internal organs cause their dysfunction. Most often, patients develop respiratory, cardiac and liver failure, leading to death.

Skin cancer and its metastases that affect the head area can grow into the brain tissue, eyeballs, middle ear, which causes complications from these organs. With such localization of metastases, the operation is impossible, therefore, it is possible to stop the progression of the tumor only by radiation or anticancer drugs.

Skin Cancer Treatment

How depends on the location, histological structure and size of the neoplasm, therefore it is prescribed only after a complete examination.

Operational treatment

The main treatment for skin cancer is followed by radiation or anticancer therapy to prevent recurrence. The success of surgery to remove a tumor on the skin depends on the stage of the disease. If you track the development of a malignant tumor, you can achieve a complete recovery. In addition, after excision of a small amount of tissue, a minor cosmetic defect remains, and recovery takes a short period of time.

How an operation is performed to remove a tumor on the skin, depending on the type and size of the neoplasm:

At the 1st stage of skin cancer, until it has grown into deep tissues, the removal is carried out by minimally invasive methods - electroresection or laser cauterization.
Mohs method - during the intervention, cancer-forming tissues are cut off in thin layers, which are examined under a microscope. The operation lasts until cancer cells are no longer detected in the layers.
Surgical removal of a skin tumor requires a 2-4 mm grip. healthy tissues. If the cancer has affected the deep layers or has a large diameter, more than 6 mm is captured during the operation. healthy tissues. After the operation, a histological examination of the wound edge is performed, and if signs of oncology are found, a more extensive intervention is performed.
If metastases are observed in the lymph nodes, or deep subcutaneous layers are affected, in addition to removing skin cancer, excision of the nearest lymph nodes is performed.
Skin cancer that has affected bones and cartilage requires a more extensive operation, in which all affected areas are removed. Such operations are dangerous due to their complications, long recovery period and frequent relapses.

Removal of a skin tumor is performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgical intervention. If a large amount of tissue is removed, subsequent plastic surgery is required. Vincristine.

Aranoza.

Fotemustine.

External chemotherapy for skin cancer is performed for small and superficial neoplasms. The method consists in the external application of Prospidin ointment or Fluorouracil emulsion. External chemotherapy is effective only at the initial stage of skin cancer.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy for skin cancer is the impact of ionizing rays on the area of a malignant tumor. Under their influence, all processes in cancer cells are disrupted, which causes their death.

When is it used for skin cancer?

As the only method of treatment at the initial stage.
Reduction of the tumor in size before surgery.
Destruction of the remaining atypical cells after surgery.

Radiation therapy for skin cancer is used as the only method if the neoplasm is located in hard-to-reach places - in the corners of the eyes, in the eyelids, in close proximity to the cartilage. Irradiation of skin areas can significantly reduce the size of the tumor, and in some cases achieve its complete disappearance.

Irradiation for skin cancer is more often carried out remotely. The impact area is marked with a marker, and the surrounding areas are protected with lead screens. For each patient, the dose of radiation and the course of therapy are individually selected.

Photodynamic therapy

– a modern method of treatment of skin cancer and precancerous conditions. This is a simple procedure, during which the affected areas of the skin are treated with special photosensitizing drugs, and after a few hours infrared rays are directed at them.

After the procedure, the affected areas begin to be rejected, so swelling appears in the affected area, and the surface of the neoplasm is covered with a crust. After a few weeks, malignant tissues are replaced by healthy ones, without scars and consequences.

Cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen

It is possible to treat skin cancer with a diameter of up to 2 cm using cryodestruction - cauterization of the affected area with liquid nitrogen. Cryodestruction is used provided that the tumors have clear boundaries and do not grow into the deep layers.

Cauterization with nitrogen does not require special preparation, anesthesia or hospitalization. During the procedure, an applicator is applied to the malignant formation for several minutes, from which liquid nitrogen is released. Cancer cells are frozen, all processes stop in them, and after a few days they are rejected and replaced by healthy tissues.

Immune and targeted therapy

Skin cancer treatment may include modern methods that are still being studied and improved. Immunotherapy is aimed at activating the body's defenses so that it can suppress the spread of the malignant process.

For this, the following drugs are used:

I am used mainly in foreign clinics and the cost of a course of treatment is quite high - the price is for 50 gr. the drug is about $ 5,000.
directed, aimed at the destruction of cancer cells, without the risk of damage to healthy tissues. Targeted therapy rarely develops side effects, so it can be just as effective as a substitute for chemotherapy.

Drugs for targeted therapy:

Mekinist.
Erivedge.
Vismodegib.
Zelboraf.

Targeted therapy is used with caution, before starting it, it is necessary to carefully select drugs, having previously examined the structure of tumor cells and gene mutations.

How long do people live with skin cancer?

The survival prognosis depends on the stage of the skin cancer. At the initial stage of development, complete recovery can be achieved, provided that all tumor cells are completely removed. Statistics show that stage 1-2 skin cancer has the most favorable prognosis - a 5-year survival rate is recorded in more than 95% of patients.

The prognosis for stage 3 skin cancer is favorable only for 60-75% of patients. If metastases are found in the internal organs, no more than 20% of patients survive for 5 years. In this case, it is worth considering the type of neoplasm - with melanoma, the prognosis worsens significantly.

Prevention

Prevention of skin cancer is difficult, as its development is influenced by a variety of factors. Therefore, there are several rules, following which you can prevent the degeneration of cells and the development of skin cancer.

What is prevention?

Treat benign tumors and precancerous conditions.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, use sunscreen.
Do not injure birthmarks.
Treat burns and skin injuries.
Follow the safety rules and precautions for contact with x-rays and chemicals.

Prevention of skin cancer is especially important for people with fair skin, multiple moles and people who are forced to work in the open sun.

Informative video

Malignant lesions respond well to treatment in the initial stages, when the first symptoms of skin cancer are still do not cause discomfort. The lesion may look like a small spot and not cause discomfort. By the time itching and bleeding appears or the surface begins to ulcerate, grade II or III cancer can already be diagnosed.

When changes in nevi, moles or warts are detected, as well as when areas of redness or peeling appear on the skin it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or dermatologist. You should not ignore the signs of skin cancer, because the sooner an already existing disease is detected, the higher the likelihood of success in its treatment.

CAUSES

A cancerous tumor is a modified tissue of a healthy organism in which a cell mutation has occurred. During mutation, cells lose their ability to perform their functions. At the same time, their ability to reproduce and the need for nutrients increases many times over. Mutations of the genetic apparatus in the cells of the human body occur constantly, but tumor does not always occur. There are immune mechanisms that recognize cells that have become foreign to the body and destroy them. Malignant growth occurs when too many mutations occur or the defense mechanism stops working as it should. Therefore, the symptoms of skin cancer in women and men are the same.

The causes of the disease include all factors that contribute to damage to the genetic apparatus of cells and reduce the intensity of antitumor immunity:

excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, natural and artificial tanning, forced exposure to the sun;
exposure to chemical carcinogens: exhaust gases, tobacco smoke, vapors of volatile reagents used in production;
the genetic characteristics of the organism cause either an increased sensitivity of the cellular genome to damage, or a decrease in the ability of the immune system to detect and destroy them;
secondary immunodeficiency states: AIDS, taking immunosuppressive drugs.

CLASSIFICATION

Depending on which layer of cells the tumor originates from, distinguish between squamous and basal cell carcinoma. In the first case, there is a degeneration of the superficially located cells of the epidermis, in the second - the deepest layer. It is formed from special cells - melanocytes, which contain the pigment melanin and are located in the basal layer of the skin.

There are four forms of basal cell carcinoma: nodular, superficial, ulcerative and cicatricial. Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as ulcers, nodules, or plaques. It can be superficially spreading, nodular, or lentigo melanoma.

It was found that there are skin lesions that can exist for years, but eventually necessarily undergo malignant transformation and subsequently acquire all the symptoms and signs of skin cancer. They are called obligate precancerous conditions. There is also a group of facultative precancerous conditions, accompanied by trophic disorders and chronic inflammation of the skin. This creates favorable conditions for cell regeneration, but it does not always occur.

It is important to detect and carry out radical treatment of precancerous conditions in a timely manner. This can save the patient from unnecessary suffering and save his life. Obligate precancerous lesions include the following pathologies.

Bowen's disease- violation of the process of keratinization of epidermal cells in a limited area. One or more red-brown spots appear on the surface, covered with horny scales, under which there is a granulating surface. If radical treatment (surgical or radiation) is not carried out, Bowen's disease turns into an infiltrating squamous cell carcinoma that grows through the entire thickness of the skin and underlying structures.
Erythroplasia of Queira- predominantly affects the skin of the glans penis, has the appearance of one or more red scaly spots with possible ulceration, is treated surgically.
Pigmented xeroderma- a congenital condition that is characterized by increased sensitivity to sunlight. Red spots appear on the skin, which begin to peel off. In this case, it is necessary to protect the body from exposure to direct sunlight and undergo regular examinations by a dermatologist and oncologist.
- The lesion is most often located in the area of the nipples of the chest, reminiscent of eczema. The treatment is surgical, so the first symptoms of skin cancer in girls should be especially alert so that it is not too late.

SYMPTOMS

The only symptom in the initial stages of skin cancer of the disease is the presence of a skin pathological focus. Depending on the form of the disease, it may look like a spot, wart, ulcer or erosion.

Appearance of the lesion in basalioma

Nodular basalioma has the appearance of a dense nodule of mother-of-pearl pink color with a depression in the center, rising above the surface of the skin and bleeding easily when injured.

The main symptoms of the initial stage of skin cancer diagnosed as superficial basalioma are red-brown plaques, rounded or irregular in shape with shiny waxy edges raised above the surrounding skin. Several foci may appear at once, it grows slowly, rarely deepens.

Cicatricial basalioma has the appearance of a depression with waxy raised edges, at the bottom of which there is a dense scar tissue. On the periphery, ulcerations periodically appear, which gradually scar and merge with the primary focus.

The prognosis for ulcerative basalioma is unfavorable, it grows into the underlying tissues like infiltrative forms. The bottom of the ulcer is characterized by a red-brown color and a bumpy surface covered with black crusts. Pink shiny edges of ulcerative basalioma are raised.

Appearance of a lesion in squamous cell skin cancer

The plaque in squamous cell carcinoma is dense, red in color with a bumpy surface, quickly grows in breadth and penetrates deep into the layers of the skin.

The nodular form is characterized by the appearance of multiple red-brown nodes with a bumpy surface, resembling cauliflower. When injured, they bleed easily and often ulcerate.

The ulcer in squamous cell carcinoma has a crater-like shape with raised edges and a red-brown bottom, it grows rapidly in depth and breadth.

How does melanoma manifest?

Surface spreading, usually develops at the site of a nevus. At the same time, it increases in size, changes in color, loses its hairline. It is usually a small brown-red tumor with darker patches, easily injured and ulcerated.

Nodular appears against the background of unchanged skin and looks like a single bluish-black node. This is the most unfavorable form in terms of prognosis - nodular melanomas grow rapidly, destroying the skin and underlying tissues.

Lentigo melanoma appears on open areas of the body, usually in old age. These are brownish spots of a rounded shape, not rising above the level of the skin. The neoplasm slowly increases in breadth, about 20 years pass before the germination of deeper lying tissues.

How does sarcoma manifest?

The formation of a neoplasm occurs from connective tissues that acquire appearance of a round tuberculate nodule of white color. Usually, the symptoms and signs of this form of skin cancer are detected faster than those of melanoma, since the disease develops at a rapid pace. It progresses especially rapidly in children, because the young organism has the most active tissue growth.

Sarcoma has all the characteristic signs of skin cancer:

the formation of metastases affecting internal organs;
growth with the absorption of adjacent tissues;
cachexia;
relapses.

In most cases the growth affects the tissues of the hands and feet. Due to the complexity of timely diagnosis, the most dangerous tumor is in the ear - this type of sarcoma is more common in men. Outwardly, it resembles warty nodules, flattened ulcers. As skin cancer symptoms increase, they become painful.

Sarcoma is difficult to treat if it is detected late and metastases have already begun.

DIAGNOSTICS

If a cancerous lesion is suspected, a complete examination of the patient's body is carried out, revealing all suspicious foci and formations, and regional lymph nodes are palpated. Then they move on to instrumental research methods.

Dermatoscopy is an examination of the skin with magnification, performed using a manual or digital dermatoscope. In the first case, the doctor examines the skin surface through the lens of a portable microscope, in the second case, the enlarged image is transmitted to the monitor screen and subjected to automatic analysis. The shape of the edges and the microstructure of the surface of the neoplasm are assessed - according to these data, a preliminary diagnosis can be made.

ultrasound skin is performed using high frequency ultrasonic devices operating at a frequency of 20 MHz. Using this method of research, you can see how deeply the lesion spreads, and clarify its boundaries in area. Enlarged lymph nodes are also examined using ultrasound.

Siascopy used to diagnose melanoma, the procedure is based based on the principle of spectrophotometry. With the help of siascopy, it is possible to establish the content of melanin, hemoglobin and collagen in the neoplasm tissue and visualize its internal three-dimensional structure to a depth of 2-4 mm.

The final diagnosis can only be established on the basis of histological examination. You can get material for it using a smear-imprint or scraping. In this case, a cytological analysis is performed: the presence of atypical cells and the overall cellular composition of the smear are determined.

The material obtained from a biopsy (partial - incisional or complete - excisional) is subjected to histological examination. In this case, the doctor can evaluate not only the cellular composition, but also the structure of the tumor at the tissue level. If a malignancy is suspected, an excisional biopsy is tried, since additional trauma to the tumor can stimulate its growth.

In addition to characterizing the main focus, the diagnosis of a malignant tumor includes information about enlarged regional lymph nodes and distant metastases.

If during the clinical examination an enlargement of the lymph node was detected, its puncture or excisional biopsy is performed.

If distant metastases are suspected, ultrasound, CT or MRI of the chest and abdomen, kidneys and brain is performed.

TREATMENT

Treatment depends on the type, stage, and extent of the process.

Surgical removal tumor focus within healthy tissues with subsequent histological examination is used independently when there is no infiltrative growth of the formation and screenings in the lymph nodes - signs that characterize the initial stage of skin cancer. In later stages, it may be the final stage of treatment after radiation and chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy It is used as an independent method, as well as as a prevention of relapse after surgical treatment. As a rule, repeated irradiation with relatively small doses is carried out. In this case, the tumor receives the maximum dose of radiation, and the surrounding tissues are spared. Often this therapy is used when skin cancer is diagnosed in women.
Chemotherapy used for metastatic and disseminated skin cancer (in the presence of multiple lesions in different parts of the body). May be combined with radiation therapy and precede surgical removal of tumor foci.

PREVENTION

To reduce the likelihood of cancer, it is necessary to limit exposure to carcinogenic factors:

do not get involved in sunbathing and solarium which are so popular with girls; you can stay on the beach in the summer until 11 am and after 5 pm in the evening, in the daytime you need to go indoors or under a dense canopy;
stop smoking carefully choose hygiene products for the skin and cosmetics; if contact with chemical vapors is unavoidable, the most reliable means of protection should be used;
take care of moles and, do not injure and, moreover, do not cut them with scissors - such decisions to remove the symptoms of skin cancer in women are observed most often.

If suspicious formations appear on the skin (spots, sores or scars), as well as any changes in nevi, you should contact a dermatologist or dermato-oncologist.

FORECAST

The prognosis depends on the type of neoplasm and the stage at which treatment was started. The least aggressive is basal cell carcinoma, it has the maximum destructive potential. Tumors that are located on the face and have large sizes recur more often. Therefore, do not neglect the first symptoms and immediately consult a doctor.

If at the time of the start of treatment, the primary focus is no more than 2 cm in diameter, does not have infiltrative growth or grows slightly deep into the dermis, and there are no screenings in the regional lymph nodes, 85% to 95% of patients recover. In the later stages, the prognosis worsens, in which case the probability of success in treatment is about 50%.

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Skin cancer: signs and symptoms differ depending on the stage of the disease. The first sign of skin cancer is a change in shape, color, size, or discomfort at the site of an existing mole. Depending on the form, skin cancer may appear as a superficial erosion, plaque, or nodule. Skin cancer - in the general structure of oncological diseases in terms of frequency of occurrence, malignant tumors of the skin occupy the 3rd place. The first signs of skin cancer are basaliomas, the appearance of a painless nodule or a group of small nodules 2-5 mm in diameter, flat or hemispherical in shape, pinkish or flesh-colored. This is how the first symptoms of cancer appear. This type of skin cancer most often occurs on the face. Induration or tumor formation may be the first signs of early or advanced cancer. However, with timely treatment to doctors, skin cancer at the initial stage can be cured. Therefore, it is very important to know the first signs of skin cancer and consult a doctor at the slightest suspicion.

The first sign of skin cancer is a change in shape, color, size, or an unpleasant sensation at the site of an existing mole - this is melanoma.
Melanoma is a malignant tumor (cancer) that originates from the epithelial cells of the skin. Melanoma is the most aggressive of all known malignant tumors, quickly forms metastases, after which it is considered practically incurable. At the same time, it is easier to prevent the development of melanoma than other types of cancer. To do this, you only need to carefully monitor moles and age spots on the skin and know what signs melanoma can be determined by.

To make a primary diagnosis, it is necessary to identify early symptoms of skin cancer. This is done on the basis of an inspection. Clinical signs that allow diagnosing malignancy of the pigment nevus are:

change in size: an increase in a mole two or more times in 6 months;
color change: darkening (to black), lightening, the appearance of enlightenment in the center and simultaneous darkening along the edges, heterogeneous pigmentation;
asymmetry of form;
fuzzy borders: in this case, the pigment merges smoothly with the surrounding skin, so that the borders become blurry;
pain;
ulceration of a mole;
hair loss, if there were any previously on the mole.

The more of these symptoms observed, the more likely the occurrence of melanoma of the skin and the sooner you need to start treatment.

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, most often found in people over the age of 50, and usually appears on exposed areas of the body. The sun is the main cause of cancer.

In this article, we will talk about what skin cancer is, which groups of people are at risk of getting skin cancer, and how you can recognize melanoma in the early stages of its development. Ultraviolet radiation is the main factor inducing the occurrence of such diseases as skin cancer.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a particularly aggressive type of skin cancer. As a rule, melanoma originates from skin cells that synthesize the pigment that colors tanned skin, birthmarks, or freckles. These cells are called melanocytes, hence the name melanoma.

The incidence of melanoma is about 8 cases per 100 thousand of the population among men and about 12 cases per 100 thousand of the population among women. Unlike other forms of cancer (malignant oncological diseases), melanoma often affects young people (15-40 years old).

In the structure of cancer mortality among women, melanoma ranks second (in the first place is cervical cancer), and among men it ranks sixth (after lung cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer).

Why is melanoma dangerous?

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of cancer known today. This tumor quickly gives metastases (even at very small sizes) which can affect the main vital organs (brain, lungs, bones) within a few months. Once metastases are identified, melanoma is considered virtually incurable.

Where does melanoma come from?

As we said above, the source of melanoma development is pigment cells that synthesize the biological pigment melanin, which colors the skin and pigment spots on the skin. There are a lot of such cells (melanocytes) in birthmarks, freckles, nevi. For the early diagnosis of melanoma, it is very important to know the characteristics of the structure and all pigmented skin formations. Very often, at a doctor's appointment, it turns out that the patient does not know how a healthy mole should look like, and how it differs from an atypical nevus or a malignant melanoma tumor. Below we give brief descriptions of pigmented skin formations:
Freckles are pigment spots of small size, usually round or oval in shape, not protruding above the surface of the skin. Most often, freckles cover the skin of the face, but they can appear on almost the entire surface of the skin. Freckles fade in winter and recolor in spring and summer.

Moles (birthmarks, nevi) are medium-sized pigmented formations (up to 1 cm in diameter), usually dark and evenly colored, however, there are slightly colored flesh-colored moles. The surface of the mole may only slightly rise above the surface of the skin. The edges of the moles are even.

Atypical nevi are large pigmented skin formations with uneven edges and uneven coloring. Some atypical nevi can be considered precancerous.

Malignant melanoma is a pigmented skin formation that arises from moles or on “clean skin” with uneven edges, a bumpy surface, and uneven coloring of varying intensity. The edges of melanoma are often surrounded by an inflammatory rim (bright red stripe).

What are the signs of melanoma?

Nowadays, for the diagnosis of melanoma, as a form of skin cancer, a number of criteria are used to distinguish melanoma from other pigmented skin lesions or from benign skin tumors.

The main signs that distinguish melanoma are:
1. The rapid growth of a new mole or the beginning of the rapid growth of an old mole that has so far remained unchanged.

2. Change in the contour line of the old mole (uneven, broken edges) or the appearance of a new mole with fuzzy edges.

3. Uneven coloration (different shades of brown, black blotches, colorless areas) of a new fast-growing mole, or the appearance of these signs in an old mole.

Additional signs of melanoma diagnosis are:

An increase in the size of the mole is more than 7 mm;
The appearance of a zone of inflammation along the edges of the pigmented formation of the skin;
Bleeding and itching of pigmented skin lesions.

In the diagnosis of melanoma, it is important to take into account the fact that in men this tumor is most often located on the back, and in women on the lower leg. Despite this, you need to check all areas of the skin, including the skin of the scalp, as well as the nail beds (melanoma can look like a black spot under the nail).

If these signs are detected, you should immediately consult a dermatologist. The earlier melanoma is detected, the greater the chance of its successful treatment.

What is melanoma?

From a clinical point of view, there are several types of melanoma:
Superficial melanoma is the most common form of this type of skin cancer. Superficial melanoma is located in the upper layers of the skin, and its surface does not protrude much above the surface of healthy skin. This type of melanoma is most easily confused with a common mole or atypical nevus.

Nodular melanoma occurs in a quarter of all patients with melanoma. This is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Nodular melanoma has the appearance of a dark-colored nodule of various sizes, raised above the surface of the skin.

Lentigo melanoma - occurs on the head and neck of older people. The surface of this tumor is slightly elevated above the surface of the skin.

Subungual melanoma occurs in every tenth patient with melanoma. Most often, the tumor forms under the nails of the big toes.

What is the Breslow index?

The Breslow index (Breslow thickness) determines the thickness to which melanoma cells have penetrated deep into the skin. The Breslow index is determined during a histological examination of a tissue sample taken from a suspected tumor. If the value of the Breslow index is less than 0.5 mm, then the tumor is not malignant and it is not necessary to remove the pigment spot. With a Breslow index greater than 0.5 mm, the patient must be referred to a dermatologist to remove the formation.

Who is at risk for melanoma?

At the moment, it is considered a proven link between various types of skin cancer and solar radiation. This principle also applies to melanoma. Solar radiation is the main reason for the development of this type of tumor.

In some people, however, the sensitivity of the skin to solar radiation is higher due to the presence of some predisposing factors: a large number of freckles on the body, the presence of benign skin tumors, the presence of atypical nevi, fair skin sensitive to the sun, work in open sunlight.

How to protect yourself from melanoma?

Because of the extreme danger of melanoma, people who are at high risk of developing the disease (for example, people who spend a lot of time outdoors) are advised to take some preventive measures for melanoma and other types of skin cancer. To protect yourself from skin cancer:
Try to limit sun exposure as much as possible, especially during lunch hours.

If exposure to the sun is unavoidable, protect exposed skin from direct sunlight: wear a long-sleeved T-shirt, wide-brimmed hat, pants.

Be sure to use sunscreen when in direct sunlight. The protection factor of the cream must be at least 15.

Learn all the major and minor signs of melanoma and, if possible, discuss them with your doctor. Make sure you know exactly what melanoma can look like and how to tell it apart from a normal mole.

Regularly inspect the entire surface of the skin. The skin of the back and head should be examined by your friend or relative.

Contact your doctor if you find any skin element that makes you suspicious.

Melanoma and other skin cancers

In addition to melanoma, there are other types of skin cancer (squamous cell skin cancer, basalioma), but unlike melanoma, they are much less aggressive and better treatable.
Basalioma or squamous cell skin cancer manifests itself in the form of a crack or wound that does not heal for a long time, which is usually located on the face, neck, on the back of the hand.

Treatment of melanoma and other skin cancers

The type of melanoma treatment and its effectiveness depends on the stage of its development. The earlier melanoma is detected, the greater the chance of a full recovery. When the diagnosis of melanoma or another form of skin cancer is confirmed, the tumor is surgically removed. The operation is usually performed under local anesthesia. In itself, surgery does not pose any danger to the patient.

In some cases, surgical treatment is combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The appearance of metastases significantly reduces the patient's chances of survival, but recently there have been reports of the invention of new ways to fight cancer, in particular melanoma, for example, using monoclonal antibodies that can defeat the disease even at the stage of metastasis. Save to social networks:

Skin cancer is a lesion of various layers of the epithelium, a malignant tumor that occurs during an atypical degeneration of cells. Pathology is characterized by a large number of varieties. Early stages are successfully treated.

A malignant disease often occurs through the fault of a person, due to the neglect of fairly simple rules. How to avoid cancer? How to recognize skin cancer in time? The information is useful to any reader, regardless of age.

Causes

Oncologists identify more than two dozen factors that provoke the development of malignant diseases of the skin. Sometimes a person is unable to prevent the development of the disease. In most cases, a serious pathology occurs through the fault of the patient or with a negligent attitude towards one's health.

The main causes of skin cancer:

exposure to radiation;
prolonged exposure to the open sun;
heredity;
trips to the solarium;
age 60 years or more;
senile keratoma;
exposure to UV rays on unprotected skin;
injury to moles, including when removed by folk remedies;
Bowen's disease;
complications after radiation dermatitis;
the effect of carcinogens on the surface of the epidermis. The most toxic: tobacco smoke, tar, heavy metals, arsenic;
a sharp decrease in immunity;
light skin, an abundance of freckles, birthmarks;
burns of varying degrees;
improper nutrition. Frequent use of smoked, fried foods, pickled, canned foods.

Oncological diseases of the skin occur in the following cases:

chronic hepatitis, HIV;
an abundance of tattoos on the body, especially in places of accumulation of moles;
living in southern areas with a lot of sunny days;
smoking, alcohol abuse;
melanoma dangerous nevi;
work associated with a long stay in the air: field work, going to sea, street trading, and so on;
chronic dermatological diseases.

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Stages of skin cancer:

first. Neoplasms are small, no more than 2 mm. There are no metastases, the lower layers of the epidermis are affected. Treatment gives a good effect, it is often possible to get rid of a dangerous pathology;
second. A malignant tumor grows, sometimes a slight soreness is felt. Lymph nodes are not yet affected, occasionally there is a single metastasis in a nearby lymph node. With timely detection and treatment, the prognosis is quite favorable;
third. Lymph nodes are affected, there are no metastases in the organs yet. The tumor enlarges, becomes tuberous, mobility is limited due to the germination of the tumor deep into the tissues. Patients often have a fever. The percentage of survival is reduced to 30%;
fourth. Advanced cases are very dangerous for the patient. The tumor, often with ulcers, erosions, bleeding, captures large areas. Metastases grow deep, affecting the cartilaginous tissue, skeleton, liver, and lungs. The patient is constantly in severe pain. Poisoned by toxins, the body is unable to resist. Only a fifth of patients survive.

Often, the diagnosis of skin cancer is heard not by the patient, but by his relatives. For most people, two short words mean the collapse of plans and hopes, a dead end from which it is difficult to get out. For this reason, relatives often hide his diagnosis from the patient.

Meanwhile, it is possible and necessary to fight for life. The initial stage of cancerous tumors on the skin is successfully treated. Even in the second and third stages, active resistance to the disease, faith in one's own strength works wonders.

With adequate treatment, the patient can enjoy life for a long time. Cases are described when patients with the most severe, the fourth stage, lived much longer than they were given by doctors.

What you need to know about skin cancer treatment:

treatment methods are chosen by a dermato-oncologist or a council of doctors (in severe patients);
the age of the patient, the size of the formation, the number of metastases, the type of pathology are taken into account;
the main method is the removal of atypical cells and tissues, radiation therapy, or a combination of both methods;
during the operation, areas of healthy skin near the formation are captured;
control of the complete removal of cancer cells is mandatory. Examination of the edges of the wound with a special device allows you to determine whether the affected tissue is completely excised.

The main methods for removing cancerous tumors:

laser excision. A carbon dioxide or neodymium laser is used. The risk of infection and bleeding is minimal;
electrocoagulation. The method is suitable for removing small tumors;
cryodestruction. The destruction of a cancerous tumor with the help of low temperatures is suitable for combating minimally invasive, superficial neoplasms. A biopsy is required before the procedure, confirmation of a weak rooting of the tumor.

at the initial stage, a small area of the lesion - close-focus radiotherapy;
with large superficial neoplasms - irradiation with an electron beam;
photodynamic therapy;
chemotherapy of the affected areas with cytostatics (mainly with basalioma).

Note! Radiation therapy will help prevent the development of metastases, recurrence of cancer. The technique is suitable for alleviating the suffering of inoperable patients in the palliative period. Irradiation actively suppresses the development of metastases.

Prevention and prognosis

Studies have shown that the lethal outcome in malignant tumors of the skin is much lower, with a similar pathology of other organs.

Take note:

the most dangerous, rapidly progressing form is melanoma;
the easiest to treat is the superficial variety with a rare occurrence of metastases - the basal cell form;
squamous cell carcinoma with proper therapy and constant monitoring gives a high percentage of five-year survival - up to 95%.

How to protect yourself from skin cancer:

be less in the open sun, especially from 11 am to 4 pm;
use sunscreen;
when working in hazardous areas (thermal radiation, radiation), use protective equipment;
forget the way to the solarium;
eat smoked meats, fried foods as little as possible;
limit the amount of alcohol, give up cigarettes;
monitor the condition of the epidermis, if strange moles appear or existing formations change, make an appointment with a dermato-oncologist;
monitor the health of the skin, treat pathologies of internal organs;
strengthen immunity, be less nervous. A weakened body is “easy prey” for various sores.

Now you know a lot of details about such a dangerous pathology as skin cancer. Consider the recommendations of experts, take measures to prevent atypical changes in cells and be healthy!

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