Skin cancer

Αρχική / Skin cancer
by Dr Nikolaos Maltzaris​

Basal cell – Squamous cell carcinoma

 Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer in Caucasians. A locally invasive tumor of epithelial origin characterized by slow growth and rarely metastasizes to distant tissues. It is most often found in areas of the body that have been extensively exposed to the sun, such as the head and neck. In most cases, the clinical picture is sufficient to make the diagnosis, while sometimes histological confirmation is required.

The main goal of treating basal cell carcinoma is the surgical removal of healthy tissue and the achievement of an acceptable aesthetic result.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. Although in the majority of cases the tumor is not life-threatening, there is a possibility of metastasis if not treated promptly. Squamous cell carcinoma can occur de novo (i.e. in a previously healthy area) or in the setting of a precancerous lesion such as actinic hyperkeratosis, actinic cheilitis, and Bowen’s disease. It is most often found in areas of the body that have been extensively exposed to the sun such as the head and earlobe, eyelids, nose, or upper and lower extremities.

Δρ. Νικόλαος Μαλτζάρης

Πλαστικός Χειρουργός

Squamous cell carcinoma requires staging of the disease, which includes CT and/or MRI to investigate regional lymph nodes.

The main goal of treating squamous cell carcinoma is the surgical removal of healthy tissue and the preservation of the functionality of adjacent tissues to the greatest possible extent, and the achievement of an acceptable aesthetic result.

Postoperative patient monitoring

Patients who develop a basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma have a 30-50% chance of developing a second lesion within 5 years.
In addition, they have an increased risk of developing melanoma. They should therefore be monitored at regular intervals (every 6-12 months). The first 2 years are particularly important as 70-80% of recurrences of squamous cell carcinomas occur within this period.
In the event of a recurrence, if it is local, the instructions for treating the primary lesion are followed. If it is a regional or distant metastasis, systemic treatment and referral of the patient to an oncology board are recommended.

Early diagnosis and proper surgical treatment leads to a cure.