Skin cancer - Medical & surgical treatment options in Turkey

Skin cancer: What is it?

Skin cancer is a disease characterized by the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of skin cells. It is mainly caused by UV radiation, but also by genetic and environmental factors.

Actinic keratoses (precancerous),basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are the most common forms. Early diagnosis is essential: see a dermatologist for any new, changing or non-healing skin lesion.

Types of skin cancer

The different types of skin cancer include:

• Actinic keratoses (AK): scaly, rough precancerous lesions that usually appear on sun-exposed areas (face, neck, hands, forearms),most often in fair-skinned people over 40. Left untreated, some can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): the most common non-melanoma skin cancer. It often appears as a small, pearly, translucent or pink lesion, grows slowly and tends to occur on the head and neck. It rarely spreads, but can damage surrounding tissue if not treated in time.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): develops from cells in the outer layer of the skin and appears as a red, scaly or crusty lesion, most often on sun-exposed areas. It can grow faster and be more invasive than BCC.
• Melanoma: the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It develops in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells, on healthy skin or from an existing mole. Warning signs include asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven color and change over time.

Symptoms and early diagnosis of skin cancer

Early detection is essential for effective skin cancer treatment. It is recommended to regularly examine your skin using the ABCDE rule for melanoma:

• A for Asymmetry: one half does not match the other.
• B for Border: edges are irregular, blurred, or notched.
• C for Color: color is uneven or varies across the lesion.
• D for Diameter: diameter is greater than 6 mm.
• E for Evolution: size, shape, or color changes over time.

If you notice a suspicious mole or skin lesion, you should consult a dermatologist. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through a biopsy, where a tissue sample is taken and analyzed.

Skin cancer treatment options in Turkey

Skin cancer treatment is individualized: it depends on the tumor type, size, location, depth or stage, and your general health.

Surgery: the usual first treatment

Surgery removes the tumor with a margin of healthy skin to lower the risk of recurrence. Techniques include simple excision and Mohs micrographic surgery (used for complex, recurrent or high-risk tumors, especially on the face).

Other treatments

• Cryotherapy: destruction of some superficial lesions with cold.
• Topical drugs (creams) for some superficial lesions.
• Photodynamic therapy for some superficial lesions.
• Radiotherapy when surgery is not possible or after surgery in selected cases.
• Immunotherapy or targeted therapy for advanced or metastatic disease (for example melanoma),decided by the oncology team.

The choice is made with you and the medical team after the biopsy and pathology report.

Process of skin cancer surgery

Surgery to remove a skin tumor involves several essential steps:

Diagnostic evaluation

The treatment of a skin tumor begins with a thorough diagnosis. The skin lesion in question will be examined by a dermatologist or oncologist, who may also perform a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Planning a treatment strategy

Once the diagnosis has been made, the surgeon will draw up a customized treatment plan. He takes into account the size, location and type of tumor to select the most appropriate surgical technique.

Tumor removal surgery

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthetic, which allows the patient to remain awake and unaffected by pain.

To ensure that all cancer cells are removed, the surgeon removes the cancerous tissue and a margin of healthy skin around it. To ensure that the cancer has been completely eliminated, further tests are then carried out on the excised tissue.

To promote healing and reduce scarring, the wound is then cosmetically closed using sutures, staples or other suitable techniques.

Side effects of skin cancer removal surgery

Skin cancer surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, but side effects can occur:

• Infection at the surgical site.
• Scarring.
• Bleeding during or after surgery, usually controlled with pressure or stitches.
• Numbness or nerve injury (change in skin sensation).
• Swelling (edema) and discomfort.

Post-operative care and healing after skin tumor removal

Good wound care helps healing after skin tumor removal.

• Follow your surgeon's instructions for dressings, washing and activity limits.
• Take pain relief or antibiotics only as prescribed. Never stop a prescribed medication on your own.
• Keep the scar out of the sun and use sun protection once healed.
• Contact your care team quickly for spreading redness, pus, fever, heavy bleeding or increasing pain.
• Attend the follow-up visit where the pathology report is reviewed and the follow-up plan is set.

Success rate of skin cancer treatment in Turkey

Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other organs, but both BCC and SCC can cause considerable local skin damage if left untreated. When detected early and removed completely, most BCCs and many SCCs are cured by surgery.

Melanoma outcomes depend strongly on tumor thickness and whether it has spread, which the pathology report and staging show. Your oncologist gives an estimate for your case. No reliable success rate is available for the partner clinics, and no outcome can be guaranteed.