19 December 2020 Saturday / Published in Plastic Surgery

Skin Cancer Removal

What is Skin Cancer?

The uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells which results in tumour formation in humans is called skin cancer. Skin cancers are caused by the effect of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The ultraviolet radiation causes DNA damage in human skin cells, which enable them to multiply uncontrollably, trigger genetic defects, and form malignant tumours. Skin cancers can be divided into two main categories:

Melanoma type skin cancers: Melanomas can be observed rarely, but since they have the potential to spread to all internal and external organs, they are considered the most dangerous type of skin cancers.
Non-Melanoma skin cancers: Non-melanoma skin cancers are less likely to spread to other organs. They are considered to be less dangerous since they can be treated with small and simple surgical procedures.

What are the Types of Skin Cancer?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC):
It is the most common type of skin cancer originating from basal cells in the epidermis. It progresses slowly and does not metastasize. These types of cancers are rarely life-threatening.
Squamous cell cancer (SCC):
It is a common skin cancer type, originating from squamous cells. Its frequent localisations are lips, facial area and ears. It can spread to the lymph nodes and sometimes to the internal organs. This type of skin cancer can progress to life-threatening conditions if left untreated.
Malignant Melanoma (MM):
It is a type of skin cancer that originates from the cells that produce melanin (melanocytes). Malignant Melanoma is less common than other skin cancers. It is usually seen more frequently in people living in areas with regular sun exposure. It is the most dangerous type of skin cancers, and if it is diagnosed at early stages, there is a chance for treatment. The delay in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant Melanoma is often fatal for patients.

What are the Risk Factors for Skin Cancer Development?

Having a lighter skin colour
Having a complexion that easily freckles
Having too many nevi in the body
Having a family history of skin cancer
Living in high altitude areas near the equator and having intense sunlight exposure throughout the year
Having a history of radiotherapy for any reason
Having an open wound that is resistant to treatment for a long time
Chronic exposure to chemical carcinogens such as arsenic, tar
Exposure to chronic micro traum

What is the treatment of Skin Cancer?

The treatment of skin cancer varies according to the type of skin, the stage of cancer, and the location of the lesion. If the cancerous region is small, surgical removal can be easily performed with local anaesthesia. In these small and less dangerous types, scraping (curettage), electric current destruction (desiccation), and freezing destruction of cancer cells (cryotherapy) can be performed. However, these methods are less reliable in terms of treatment; they are more likely to leave scars and deformation.

If the cancerous region is large and has spread to lymph nodes or another part of the body, extensive surgical procedures may be needed to treat this skin cancer. Other possible treatment options for skin cancers in addition to surgical treatment are radiotherapy (radiation therapy) and chemotherapy (administration of anticancer drugs).

Procedure Summary Table

Procedure	Type of Procedure	Duration of the Procedure	Type of anaesthesia	Duration of Hospitalisation	Back to Work	Healing
Skin Cancer Removal	Plastic Surgery	1-2 hours	General / Sedation	1 day/ Out patient	3-7 days	Depends on the patient

Skin Cancers Frequently Asked Questions

It is against the law in Turkey for the healthcare organisations including private practices to indicate prices online for procedures, treatments or consultations. Please contact us by calling or texting ?+90 541 334 3484 (WhatsApp available) or ☏ +90 212 257 1515 for the average cost of the procedure or any other enquiries related to the procedure. You need to send some photos to the Patient Care Coordinator to be examined by Professor Yazar to get the exact all-inclusive price.

The human skin consists of two layers called “Epidermis” and “Dermis”. The epidermis is the upper layer of the skin. It prevents water, electrolyte and heat loss by protecting the body from external factors. The dermis is below the epidermis. Hair follicles, sweat, sebaceous glands, veins and nerves are on this layer. Subcutaneous adipose tissue is located deeper. Skin cancers can originate from the basal layer of the epidermis or the upper cell layers. Although skin cancers are mostly in the head and neck, they can be seen on the entire skin surface of the body. Skin cancers develop more frequently in sun-exposed areas of the body.

The main cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet rays of the sun. For this reason, those who are constantly in contact with the sun rays and those who are very introverted with the ultraviolet rays and bronze via artificial light sources carry the risk of skin cancer more than others.

Spiloma consists of clumps of densely pigmented skin cells. They can be found in the body since birth, or they can reveal later. Although many are not dangerous, large, and hairy large spiloma that has existed since birth has a malignancy risk of turning into malignant Melanoma in different colours with unclear borders. Spiloma (nevus) can be excised by surgical methods for cosmetic reasons, in case of constant irritation and when it is likely to turn into malignant Melanoma.

Keratoses, on the other hand, are skin lesions that appear as rough or scaly patches with brown or red tops. They are generally seen in areas where the skin is most exposed to the sun. They are likely to turn into cancer and all moles showing these symptoms should be removed via surgical methods.

Basal and squamous cell cancers can have various appearances:

In the form of a small white and pink mass
The surface is smooth, bright, pit-shaped
In the form of a dry, scaly, red spot
Shelled, red, lump-shaped
Crusty in the form of small masses side by side
In the form of a white patch that looks like a scar
Lesions that do not heal within 2-4 weeks and can cause bleeding and pain

Malignant Melanoma usually starts from a nevus or from healthy skin. The following changes occurring in any nevus are considered as warning criteria for cancer:

Asymmetry
Edge irregularity
Being in different colour shades
Crusting on it
Bleeding
Itching
Redness around it
Hair growth increase
More than 6 mm in size or an abnormal growth

Nevus, which most of the above changes are observed, should be removed by surgical procedures and should be subjected to histopathological examination for Malignant Melanoma.

Skin cancers may recur, but it is possible to reduce the risk of recurrence. Here are the things to do to prevent skin cancers from reappearing:

Regular check-ups
Avoiding sun exposure in the summer months, especially between 11:00 and 14:30.
Being careful not to forget that ultraviolet rays can be reflected from sand and snow by passing through water and cloud.
Trying to wear a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved clothing when it is necessary to stay outdoors for a long time
Checking the skin regularly, consulting a specialist doctor in case of doubt
Using at least fifteen-factor sunscreens at regular intervals for the sun-exposed areas of our skin after swimming in environments such as the sea, pool, etc.

Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon Professor Yazar is available in his private practice based in Nisantasi, Istanbul for appointments to provide detailed and tailored information on the procedure.