Therapy
The therapy of choice for white skin cancer is surgical removal.A certain safety distance must be maintained, i.e. the doctor removes not only the tumor but also the normal looking skin around the tumor so that no diseased cells remain hidden. In the case of spinalioma, the safety distance is greater than in basal cell carcinoma. After removal, the tissue removed must be examined in the pathology department to ensure that the edges of the incision are free of tumor cells.
If this is not the case, the incision should be made again. Basal cell carcinomas that are located on the trunk do not necessarily have to be surgically treated: They can also be treated with local immunotherapy or photodynamic therapy (a special light therapy). For malignant melanomas, also known as black skin cancer, surgical removal is also the method of choice.
If the melanoma is more than one millimeter thick, the lymph drainage system including lymph nodes of the affected region should also be removed. If the melanoma has a penetration depth of more than 2 millimeters, a so-called adjuvant immunotherapy should be performed in addition to surgical removal. This serves to ensure that no living tumor cells are present.
If metastases of the melanoma are already present, additional treatment measures should be taken in addition to surgery. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy are then possible. After treatment of skin cancer, regular check-ups should be carried out by a dermatologist.
Causes
The causes of skin tumors are usually genetic, as many different gene mutations can promote the development of melanomas. A risk factor for the development of melanoma is therefore the presence of skin tumors in the family. If there are more than two first-degree relatives, one usually speaks of an increased risk.
In addition, children with fair skin, red and blonde hair, light eye color and freckles are more at risk, especially if they are frequently exposed to UV light and quickly develop sunburn. If hereditary skin diseases, so-called genodermatoses, are already prevalent, this can also increase the risk of a skin tumor. Examples of this can be diseases such as basal cell nevus syndrome, xeroderma pigmentosum or epidermodysplasia. In general, chemical pollutants or radiation and immunosuppression can promote the development of a melanoma.
