In the practice of a doctor of any field, there are patients with skin neoplasms. It is important not to miss the malignancy of a benign neoplasm and send the patient for a consultation with a specialist in time.
Physicians who perform removal of neoplasms using laser and other techniques must be aware of the hallmarks of a malignant tumor and have the necessary knowledge to create a diagnostic route for a patient with a skin neoplasm.
Dermatovenereologist, dermato-oncologist of the Institute of Dermatocosmetology Dr. Bogomolets Svetlana Dyachuk, in the article estet-portal.com shared information about the differential diagnosis of skin neoplasms, which should be familiar to doctors of all specialties, and also answered questions regarding personal experience in removing skin tumors.
What symptoms should the doctor pay attention to
S.D.: Skin neoplasms are asymptomatic. Even a malignant tumor does not manifest itself in the form of pain, itching, redness, etc. It is necessary to remember the visual signs of a malignant neoplasm:
1. A (asymmetry) — asymmetry,
2. B (border irregularity) — jagged edges,
3. C (colour) — color uneven,
4. D (diameter) — increase in diameter,
5. E (evolving) — variability.
However, many malignant tumors do not follow this rule – they can be perfectly symmetrical, with even edges, so screening examinations by a dermatologist using dermatoscopy remain the best solution. Medical examination – the best option for preventing skin cancer.
Institute of Dermatocosmetology Dr. Bogomolets – one of the centers that provide remote diagnostic services. Any patient can send a photo of the formation on the skin and get a preliminary consultation. If necessary, highly qualified doctors will invite the patient for an in-person consultation.
Telemedicine in the diagnosis of skin cancer allows you to bring the patient with a malignant neoplasm closer to medical care.
Differentiation of benign and malignant neoplasms
SD: A doctor of any specialty can suspect oncology. But for a dermatologist, the direct duty is to use the method of dermatoscopy – This method allows to determine the malignancy of the neoplasm with high accuracy. However, only a doctor morphologist can establish the final diagnosis. It should be remembered that in this case the human factor plays an important role.
We make the final diagnosis based on the results of histology.
If the problem concerns kazhy, then the patient should first be referred to a dermatologist, and then – to an oncologist with a preliminary diagnosis of a specialist. This sequence of the patient's diagnostic route is due to the high workload of oncologists.
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What methods can be used to remove a skin neoplasm
S.D.: A different deletion method is selected for each specific case. The surgical method involves the complete removal of the tumor with an area of \u200b\u200bhealthy skin. Minimally invasive methods include: the use of a laser, a radio wave method, electrocoagulation, diathermocoagulation, cryodestruction, etc.
The use of laser is most effective for superficial benign neoplasms, and histological examination is mandatory.
Complications after laser removal of neoplasms
SD: Complications are the same as those during surgery and include: infection of the wound, healing with the formation of a rough or keloid scar. Also, the doctor should be aware of the existence of myths among patients and therefore provide all reliable information.
Myth #1. Tumor malignancy after removal.
If a benign tumor was removed (according to the results of histopathological examination), then the formation of a malignant tumor at this site is impossible. The maximum that can happen – recurrence of a benign tumor.
Myth #2. Injury to a benign tumor can cause malignancy.
This myth is based on increased growth and invasion of an already existing malignant tumor after injury. But a single mechanical irritation of a benign neoplasm is not the cause of rebirth.
The risk of malignancy of a nevus after trauma is equivalent to the risk of malignancy of any area of the skin after traumatization.
Most malignant tumors form on clean skin, and not at the location of the nevus. But still, permanent traumatization of a benign neoplasm is not desirable, and it is better to remove such a nevus.
Peculiarities of the rehabilitation period
S.D.: There is no need for dressings and close monitoring during the rehabilitation period. Home wound care may be supplemented by a follow-up visit to the dermatologist 2 weeks after the procedure. Antibacterial drugs are used only if there is a complication in the form of infection. It is important to implement the possibility of remote contact in case of questions from the patient.
Thank you for staying with estet-portal.com. Read other interesting articles in the "Cosmetology" section. You might be interested in Radiosurgery to remove nevi with minimal scarring
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