Skin cancer can metastasize
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We can group the types of skin cancer into two groups: melanoma skin cancer ( "malignant moles") and non - melanoma skin cancer. Within this latter group there are several types of tumors (carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, etc.). Frequency, the most important, and in which we will focus, skin tumors are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.
Genetic predisposition is a major factor for the development of many types of skin cancer. In addition, there are other factors involved such as:
- Exposure to ultraviolet radiation
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- People with immunosuppression
Early diagnosis of skin cancer determines the prognosis of the disease. It is very important in the case of malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma high risk, since both are tumors that can metastasize and, in advanced stages, can cause death. Survival is directly related to tumor stage at the time of diagnosis.
Therefore, the appearance of dark spots or different moles, sores or wounds that do not heal, skin spots of various shades ... should we put on alert.
Skin cancer treatment
Treatment of skin cancer should always be individualized since it depends on various factors such as the type of malignant tumor to be treated, the patient's age, associated diseases, the anatomical location of the tumor and previous treatments. In general, the main treatment is surgical removal. It can also be treated by creams, cryosurgery, curettage and electrocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy and laser, among others.
In the case of melanoma and squamous carcinoma high risk, they may also be indicated other interventions such as selective sentinel node biopsy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and experimental treatments.
