Treatment of malignant tumors – surgical and laser

A malignant skin cancer, referred to as skin cancer, can develop in anyone, regardless of gender and age. However, thanks to the possibilities offered by modern medicine, skin cancer is not a death sentence – if diagnosed early enough in most cases it can be cured 100%. Therefore, prevention, including observation of skin changes, self-examination and regular visits to the dermatologist is extremely important. In the treatment of skin cancer the key role is appropriate diagnostics and individually selected therapy. The knowledge, experience and empathy of our physicians ensure that each Patient can count on comprehensive assistance and support during the treatment process and recovery.

Types of malignant tumors

Unfortunately, skin cancers account for 75% of all malignancies. They can metastasize and destroy tissues around them. 80% of skin cancers are located in the head and neck, with the remaining 20% occurring on limbs and torso. The most common malignant skin cancers include:

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer, but the least dangerous. It is characterized by slow growth and very rarely metastasizes, but it can damage surrounding tissues. It may take the form of nodular, ulcerative, scleroderma-like, cystic or superficial tumors. This type of cancer is most common in the elderly and usually arises on the face, back and extremities.

Squamous cell carcinoma is relatively rare, but is characterized by rapid growth and a high degree of malignancy. It often derives from benign lesions such as cutaneous horn or solar keratosis. The neoplastic lesions usually appear at the border of skin and mucous membranes, for example on the lips.

Melanoma is the least common but the most dangerous malignant skin cancer. It usually takes the form of a dark or pinkish patch with irregular edges. There are superficial melanomas (60-70% of all melanomas), nodular and pigmentless melanomas. Melanoma can arise from an existing skin lesion or occur spontaneously.

Diagnosis of skin cancer

In order to correctly diagnose skin cancer, the physician takes a detailed history with the Patient, views the lesion and examines it by palpation. Then, depending on the nature of lesion, the dermatologist may order a dermatoscopy or FotoFinder diagnostics – a video dermatoscopy using groundbreaking technology in diagnosing skin lesions. It is also necessary to perform a biopsy, i.e. taking a section of skin and subjecting it to histopathological examination. Your physician may also recommend other imaging studies, such as ultrasound, CT or MRI. Proper diagnosis allows for early detection of skin cancer, which is why it is extremely important.

Skin cancer treatment methods

The primary aim in the treatment of skin cancer is the complete destruction of lesion. The choice of the appropriate therapy is determined by several factors. These include:

• cancer stage, its number and size of foci
• histopathological type of cancer
• risk of recurrence
• Patient tolerance to the treatment (e.g., risk of complications)
• general health of the Patient
• aesthetic considerations
• Patient preferences

Taking these aspects into consideration, the physician suggests a treatment plan that will be optimal for the individual Patient.

Surgical removal of neoplastic lesions

Surgical excision of skin cancer is one of the primary techniques for treating skin cancer as it allows for complete removal of the lesion. It is probably the fastest and most effective method of fighting skin cancer. If the cancer is only on the top layer of the skin, it is possible to remove it already during the biopsy. In other cases, the Patient should undergo surgical excision of the cancer.

Course of the surgical procedure

Before skin cancer removal surgery, the Patient is given a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort and pain. The surgeon then removes the lesion tissue along with a piece of surrounding skin. After the procedure, stitches and a dressing are placed on the wound. The removed material – both the excised tumor and the skin around it – is subjected to histopathological examination. The procedure is safe and relatively quick. It is recommended for all types of skin malignancies unless there are contraindications to performing it.

Indications after surgery

Your physician will tell you how to properly care for your wound. After surgery, you should not take off the dressing for about 2 days, unless otherwise directed by a physician. You will be scheduled for suture removal after 4-14 days, depending on the surgeon’s instructions. This is also when the follow-up visit takes place, during which the histopathological examination results of the lesion and the skin around it are discussed. During your stay at the Clinic, as well as after the surgery, you can count on comprehensive care including professional treatment and support.

Laser therapy for the removal of cancerous skin lesions

Laser therapy using the Alma Pixel CO2 ablative laser is another effective method of removing malignant skin tumors. However, laser therapy is mostly used to treat lesions that are less than 5 millimeters in diameter and are located on the top layer of the skin. The great advantage of laser therapy is that it is a fast, precise and safe method. One of the most technically advanced scanners on the market used in Alma Pixel CO2 enables full control of laser working time, area under treatment and power intensity, optimizing the effectiveness of the therapy and giving full control over its results.

Course of laser therapy

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia by an experienced dermatologist. Depending on the pain threshold, the Patient may, but does not have to, choose local anesthesia option. If you choose not to have local anesthesia, you may feel a slight burning sensation. During the procedure the physician removes the lesion – directing the laser beam at the lesion causes it to vaporize. High temperature and non-contact ensures high sterility and safety of the procedure. Moreover, the procedure does not take long and neither does the healing time. During the procedure, the lesion tissue evaporates and the area is covered with a scab. Healthy skin remains intact. An additional advantage of using ablation laser is the fact that there is no scar at the site of lesion removal and after the procedure the Patient feels practically no pain.

Indications after laser therapy

There may be small wounds that turn into scabs after the procedure.

Wounds may be gently washed with water as a part of wound care, and a breathable dressing may be applied if recommended by a dermatologist. The healing process takes from a few days to 4 weeks. During this time, the Patient should avoid sun exposure to the wound. Immediately after removal of the lesion, the Patient can return to daily activities.

Management after lesion removal

Both after cancer excision surgery and laser therapy the Patient should remain under constant medical care. In our Clinic you can count on comprehensive measures – our specialists will choose the right treatment and recovery plan for you. In order to minimize the risk of cancer recurrence, the Patient should properly apply high-quality sunscreen of minimum SPF 50 throughout the year. It is important to note that simply removing the cancer may not be enough and other treatments, such as pharmacotherapy, may be necessary. If laser therapy or surgical excision is not possible, the physician from our Clinic will refer you to other specialists, for example a radiologist. After treatment, do not forget about regular dermatological check-ups, because skin cancers, especially melanoma, tend to metastasize even after many years.

We understand how shocking it can be to receive a diagnosis of skin cancer. However, we know that with proper diagnosis and optimal treatment, those affected by skin cancer can expect a full recovery. We are here to guide our Patients through the entire treatment process, providing them with the highest level of care.

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