Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dreaded skin tumour, known from a shockingly high mortality rate especially among young adults and women. Genetic and environmental factors can both be responsible for its development, so light protection and regular mole screening play a very important role in its prevention. Our goal is to detect the tumour at the earliest possible stage as this way we could possibly prevent metastasis.

In most cases, we recommended at least an annual mole screening check-up. If someone or their family has already had a malignant skin tumour, has a lot of moles or white skin prone to sunburn, we recommend a bi-monthly mole examination. If the patient experiences mole deformation, irritation or bleeding, it is highly advised to request a dermatological consultation.

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (basalioma, basal cell cancer) is the most common malignant disease of white-skinned people. Fortunately, its clinical behaviour is not particularly aggressive, as the formation of metastases and spreading to other organs are very rare. This might be the reason why it often receives less attention than expected, but without proper treatment it almost always recurs. In certain cases it is difficult to identify as for the inexperienced eye it often does not appear to be a tumour. However, in case of a long-standing, non-healing and slowly or non-spreading condition a malignant tumour must be ruled out. The most vulnerable are those who rarely stay outdoors, but when they do their skin may get burnt.

Many effective solutions exist for treating basal cell carcinoma, but it takes years of experience to be able to decide on them. At our Centre we are prepared for making an oncologically correct decision with an aesthetically pleasing result.

Squamous cell carcinoma

People who spend a lot of time outdoors whether for work or leisure, exposed to sunshine, even continuously from spring to autumn, are at high risk of squamous cell carcinoma (spinalioma, spinocellular carcinoma). Although it is much less common than basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma shows high metastatic tendency which makes it more dangerous. It might be hard to diagnose and choosing the right treatment also requires skill. This disease develops significantly more often and faster in a special case when people undergo immunosuppressive treatment for some reason.

Actinic keratosis (solar keratosis)

By actinic keratosis we mean a peeling, sometimes inflamed skin lesion that often precedes the formation of squamous cell carcinoma. As we age it usually appears on the areas which were the most exposed to sunlight throughout our life: on the face, forehead, ears, nose, or, if someone begins to bald early, on the scalp. Although it is not malignant, without treatment it can quickly turn into a tumour which is significantly more difficult to treat.