Skin cancer arises from the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the various layers of the skin. The most common causes are exposure to sunlight and radiation; for this reason it occurs more often in the areas of the body that receive the most sun — especially the head and neck — than in other areas. Fair skin, many moles, genetic predisposition and chronic wounds also pose a risk.
The most common types of skin cancer
| Type | Tendency to spread | Treatment approach |
|---|---|---|
| Basal cell carcinoma | Does not spread to surrounding areas; the type with the most favourable course | Surgical removal is usually sufficient |
| Squamous cell carcinoma | May spread to regional lymph nodes | Removed with appropriate margins; the lymph nodes are also evaluated if necessary |
| Malignant melanoma | The type with the most serious course | Treated with early diagnosis and appropriate surgery; additional treatments may be needed |
Early diagnosis directly affects the scope and course of treatment.
Which signs require attention?
- A wound that does not heal for a long time, or that crusts over and reopens
- A mole that grows, darkens or changes shape
- Patches with irregular borders and uneven colour
- Itching, bleeding or asymmetrical growth in a mole
- A new lump on the skin that continues to grow
If these signs are noticed, a doctor should be consulted without delay.
How is surgical treatment performed?
Treatment is planned according to the type and stage of the cancer and its location on the body.
- For small lesions: Surgical removal can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia.
- For large lesions or if the cancer has spread: More extensive surgery may be required; if there is spread to the lymph nodes or other areas, the treatment is extended.
The lesion is removed with a margin of healthy tissue around it and sent for pathological examination; this examination assesses whether the margins are clear. The resulting defect is closed with direct suturing, a flap prepared from neighbouring tissue or a skin graft. The method is chosen according to the location and size of the area — in visible areas such as the face, the repair technique is planned accordingly.
In addition to surgery, radiotherapy (radiation treatment) and chemotherapy (anticancer drug treatment) may be given when necessary. This decision is made together with the relevant specialties according to the type and stage of the cancer.
Scars and follow-up
A scar forms with every lesion that is surgically removed. The incision is placed along the natural lines of the skin wherever possible, with the aim of making the scar less noticeable. The scar takes about a year to reach its final appearance; sun protection has a positive effect on scar quality.
Regular follow-up is necessary after treatment: there is a possibility of recurrence in the same area or of a new lesion developing elsewhere on the body. Follow-up intervals are planned according to the pathology result.
Prevention
- Avoiding direct exposure during the hours when the sun is strongest (approximately 11.00-16.00)
- Wearing protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses
- Reapplying high-factor sunscreen at regular intervals
- Staying away from sunbeds
- Regular mole checks for people with a family history of skin cancer, those with fair skin and those with many moles
For other reconstructive procedures, you can visit the reconstructive surgery page, and for an assessment you can contact the clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of skin cancer?
A wound that does not heal for a long time, a lesion that crusts over and reopens, a mole that grows or darkens, and patches with irregular borders and uneven colour are signs that require attention. If itching, bleeding or asymmetrical growth is noticed in a mole, a doctor should be consulted without delay. Early diagnosis directly affects the scope of treatment.
How is skin cancer surgery performed?
The lesion is surgically removed with a margin of healthy tissue around it. The removed tissue is sent for pathological examination and the margins are assessed to see whether they are clear. The resulting defect is closed with direct suturing, a flap prepared from neighbouring tissue or a skin graft. The method is determined according to the location and size of the lesion.
Does surgery leave a scar?
A scar forms with every lesion that is surgically removed. The incision is placed along the natural lines of the skin wherever possible, with the aim of making the scar less noticeable. In visible areas such as the face, the repair technique is chosen with this in mind. The scar takes about a year to reach its final appearance; sun protection has a positive effect on scar quality.
Does skin cancer recur, and is follow-up needed?
Regular follow-up is necessary after treatment. There is a possibility of recurrence in the same area or of a new lesion developing elsewhere on the body; this likelihood varies with the type and stage of the cancer. Follow-up intervals are planned according to the pathology result. Learning to check one's own skin and reporting changes is also part of follow-up.
What should be done to prevent skin cancer?
The basic precautions are avoiding direct exposure during the hours when the sun is strongest (approximately 11.00-16.00), wearing protective clothing and a hat, and reapplying high-factor sunscreen at regular intervals. Sunbeds are not recommended. People with a family history of skin cancer, those with fair skin and those with many moles should have regular mole checks.