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Basal Cell Carcinomas
This is a common form of skin cancer and the most common form of all cancers.
Risk factors
Endogenous: age
exogenous: exposure to the sun.
In some cases it may also be caused by exposure to ionizing rays and complications with chronic wounds caused by arsenic.
Diagnosis
Basal Cell Carcinomas can occur in 5 different forms:
-nodular
-ulcerous
-nodular and ulcerous
-morphea-like
-pigmentation.
In the first stages of its evolution the carcinoma looks like an insignificant small mark with a little wound which disappears of its own accord.
The mark evolves by repeatedly returning at the very same place but becoming increasingly larger; it will disappear again only to return a few weeks later.
After a couple of years the mark will no longer disappear and will gradually increase in size.
The overall majority of these marks occur on parts of the body which are frequently exposed to the sun, especially the face.
These marks may be locally quite aggressive but do not cause any secondaries.
A thorough examination of face and neck with a dermoscope gives an accurate reading of the marks and allows for establishment of the typical characteristics of these carcinomas.
Treatment:
Treatment is mainly surgical.
Depending on the location and the size, the surgical intervention can be combined with an instant investigation of the margins of the removed tumour by means of a microscope.
This investigation will confirm during surgery whether all cells have been removed.
Chemo-therapy is not required.
Alternatives to surgery are radiotherapy, cryotherapy and cauterisation. None of these treatments can guarantee a 100% cure.
Additional information
Squamous Cell Carcinomas
This is a more aggressive type of cancer which may spread mainly to the glands.
Risk factors
Endogenous: chronic wounds (decubitus, burns), dermatological blemishes considered to be pre-cancerous (leucoplasy)
Exogenous: exposure to the sun, ionizing rays, arsenic, hydrocarbons,....
Diagnosis
The marks occur mostly on parts of the body which are frequently exposed to the sun, such as face and neck.
They appear under the form of a little wound, a scab on the skin.
Self-examination improves early detection of these marks.
The diagnosis can be confirmed by a specialist who will examine head and neck by means of a dermoscope. A biopsy can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Mainly surgical in combination with a microscopic investigation in the course of the surgery to confirm the complete eradication of the margins. (moh's technique and frozen sections examination)
Prevention
The increase in the number of new cases is due to life style and also partially due to the ageing of the population: excessive exposure to the sun.
Long-distance travel and open-air sports (golf, tennis,...)
UV-rays alter the genetic material in skin cells and so reduce the skin’s defence mechanism.
The mutated cells are no longer able to restore themselves.
Additional information
Additional information
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