DERMATOLOGY

Skin cancer is the most frequent in the world. There are three types which are most common:

• Basal cell carcinoma: it is the most common among all types of cancer. Despite its malignancy, it is slow growing and rarely spreads beyond its place of origin. Its treatment in early stages is extremely important, with cure rates close to 100%. However, the greater the tumor growth, the more extensive the treatment will be performed.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): it is the second most common type of skin cancer. Certain precancerous or precancerous lesions, many of them resulting from accessive solar radiation damage, may be associated with the future development of SCC. In addition to the skin, it also affects mucous membranes, such as the throat, mouth, cervix, vagina and penis. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is at risk for metastases. Early diagnosis is one of the best tools for a successful treatment, which is primarily surgical. Non-surgical treatments are an exception.
• Melanoma: is one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer. It manifests itself in the form of asymmetrical patches or bumps, with irregular, multicolored or brown edges, which grow over time. They can appear as new lesions or from preexisting spots. Early diagnosis is essential. Therefore, all people, especially those with multiple spots, in addition to those with a personal or family history of melanoma, should have their skin thoroughly examined at least annually.

Unaesthetic benign spot, syringomas, lipomas, epidermal cysts, xanthelasmas are some types of benign lesions that can be treated surgically. The type of treatment depends on the lesion, location and type of skin, among other criterias. Some of the surgical treatments are cryotherapy, electrocauterization, chemical cauterization (application of acids) and infiltrations, among others.