Malignant skin tumours

Basal Cell Carcinoma more often appears with older age groups, on parts of the body, which are more exposed to sunlight, such as the face and hands. The tumour can be different in shapes and types: flat or raised, erythematous, even scaly, yellow nodules, while others are darkly pigmented. This type of carcinoma rarely metastasizes, but locally it may be very invasive. It spreads in depth and width.

Plano-cellular Carcinoma (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) is the second most common form of skin cancer. It can appear on any part of the body, but very rarely on unaltered skin. There are two main types of this tumour: the first one resembles a small wound, covered with a scab, round or irregularly shaped, while the other one presents a small nodule that progressively invades subcutaneous tissues. This tumour has all the features of a typical malignant disease: locally infiltrating growth, tumour recurrence, and frequent metastasis.

Melanoma is the most aggressive type of all the malignant skin tumours. The stated risk factors are: moles, UV exposure, family history of melanoma, hormones, and chemical factors. Malignant melanoma appears on pre-existing moles’ surface, and very rarely on unaltered skin. Any changes to the mole, such as asymmetry of the mole, colour variation, border asymmetry, itching or bleeding, or if its diameter is above 6 mm can be indications of malignant melanoma.

A wide excision is placed to prevent any possibility of its recurrence and local relapse. If the skin tumour is located on the face, the reconstruction of any postoperative defect is performed with a skin graft, or a local flap.

The best way of battling these tumours is their prevention: when any change in the size, diameter or colour occurs, or in the case of bleeding, you should consult your plastic surgeon, who will remove the mole surgically, and histologically verify the same.