Skin Tumors

The skin, which is considered the largest organ of the body, has a complex structure consisting of a wide variety of cells. Skin cancers or tumors arise from the differentiation of these cells, which form the structure of the skin, by various factors. Long-term exposure to sunlight or short-term exposure is one of the most important factors that are effective and blamed in the formation of skin cancers. In addition, genetic factors, long-term exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, deep and extensive burns that heal in a long time, and radiotherapy for any reason can trigger the formation of skin cancer.

Skin cancers are most commonly seen as 3 main types; basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer and malignant melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma  is the most common type. It can be triggered by any trauma, or it can start spontaneously in the form of acne. Since it has a course of crusting from time to time, tending to heal and turning into a wound form again, patients do not consult a doctor because they are getting better. However, the wound does not fully heal and continues to grow over time, albeit slowly.

Basal cell carcinomas have the best prognosis among skin tumors. The treatment is surgical removal. If it is taken in the early periods, the scar that will remain will be less, and the return to daily life after the surgical procedure is fast. If it is not treated, it will not spread to the internal organs, but it will grow in the region and destroy the area where it is located and seriously affect the extent of surgical treatment and quality of life.

Squamous cell cancer is the second most common skin cancer , and it progresses more rapidly than basal cell cancer and can spread to other organs if left untreated. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are important. It can develop from an existing lesion or it can occur spontaneously. They can have different appearances. They can appear as a scar-like patch, a raised lesion with capillaries on the skin, a bright color with a smooth surface, or hemorrhagic lesions with a sunken center and crusted over. If such a lesion does not heal within 1 month, you should definitely consult a doctor. 

The third most common type of skin cancer is malignant melanoma. It is one of the skin cancers with a poor prognosis, especially if left untreated. It can be caused by an existing mole or it can occur spontaneously. In particular, if changes such as enlargement of the existing mole, irregularity in the borders, bleeding, color change, itching have occurred, you should consult a doctor without delay. 

As in all cancer types, early diagnosis is important and life-saving in malignant melanoma. The common belief in this type of skin cancer is that it spreads more when the surgery done is wrong, and it also delays the treatment and reduces the chance of cure.