Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting people worldwide.
The two most common types, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are known as non-melanoma skin cancers, while the third most common type is malignant melanoma.
In 2020, over 3 000 people in Slovenia were diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer. Despite media coverage on sun protection and increased public awareness, the number of cancerous skin lesions is increasing.
The most serious cancers can be life-threatening, but many are milder and less likely to cause serious harm. That's why it's important to protect your skin from the sun and stay alert for new or changing growths.
Fortunately, most types of skin cancer do not compromise general health or reduce life expectancy, although milder types still require treatment.
Ways to treat skin cancer
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating skin cancer. The treatment that works best for you is a balance between what is most effective for treating the cancer and what will give the best cosmetic result, have the least impact on your lifestyle and cause the least discomfort.
It is important to discuss your case with a dermatologist, as many factors influence which treatment is best for you.
These factors include:
- your age and general health
- the type and severity of the skin cancer
- the affected area on the body, and
- the possible need for treatment in the future.
Our doctor will discuss the treatment, its benefits and possible side effects with you.
The only curative treatment for melanoma is the surgical removal (excision) of the cancerous growth down to the healthy tissue. In other words, the melanoma is removed along with a certain amount of healthy skin, and how much healthy tissue is removed depends on the thickness, location and stage of the melanoma. Usually, an inch or two of surrounding tissue is removed.
Disseminated disease, i.e. melanoma that has progressed to distant metastases, can be treated with radiotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Radiotherapy (radiation) is used to treat melanoma in situations where surgery is not an option, then to treat satellite metastases (metastases within 2 cm of the primary tumour) and to treat some distant metastases (for example in the bone or brain).
Types of skin cancer
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
It is the most common type of skin cancer and often develops in people with fair skin. Black people also get this skin cancer.
BCC often looks like a round flesh-coloured growth, a pearl-like bump or a pink skin spot. It usually develops after several years of frequent sun exposure or indoor sunbathing.
They often appear on the head, neck and arms, but can occur anywhere on the body, including the chest, abdomen and legs.
Early diagnosis and treatment of BCC is important as it can spread deep into the body. If it spreads, it can penetrate nerves and bones, causing damage and disfigurement.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer.
People with fair skin are most likely to develop SCC. This skin cancer also develops in black people. It often looks like a red firm bump, scaly spot or wound that heals and then reopens.
Actinic keratosis
Squamous cell carcinoma can develop from pre-cancerous skin masses.
Some people develop dry, scaly patches or spots on their skin called actinic keratoses (AKs). They are caused by too much sun and are not skin cancer. AK is a precancerous skin formation that can turn into a squamous cell carcinoma. People who get AK usually have a fair complexion.
It usually occurs on skin that is exposed to a lot of sun, such as the head, neck, hands and forearms. As AK can turn into a type of skin cancer, timely treatment is essential.
Malignant melanoma
Melanoma is often called the "worst skin cancer" because it tends to spread.
Melanoma can develop in a mark you already have on your skin, or it can suddenly appear as a dark spot on your skin that looks different from the rest.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Knowing the warning signs of ABCDE melanoma can help you detect melanoma early.
Early detection saves lives.
Don't wait for symptoms to become more noticeable. Schedule a comprehensive skin cancer screening with our expert dermatologists today.
What causes skin cancer?
The most well-known cause of skin cancer is exposure to sunlight. The number of skin cancer cases is rising despite years of warnings about over-sunbathing and the dangers of sunbeds.
People with lighter skin (Fitzpatrick skin types 1-3) have a higher risk of skin cancer because they are more exposed to damage from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.
There is also a higher risk of skin cancer (melanoma) if you have a large number of moles. It is important to monitor any unusually shaped moles larger than 5 mm. If you are worried about a mole on your body, make an appointment for a mole examination with one of our experienced consultants.
Pricelist
Overview of the signs
Dermatoscopic examination of 1 mole
50€
Dermatoscopic examination of up to 10 moles
90€
Dermatoscopic examination of more than 10 moles
130€
Surgical removal of skin tags
Surgical excision of 1 mole (extra charge for examination)
150€
Surgical excision of 2 moles (extra charge for the examination)
220€
Surgical excision of 3 moles (extra charge for the examination)
290€
Surgical removal of any further moles
50€
Histopathological examination of excised tissue
from €100 onwards
Important topics about dermatology
Our patients' opinions
A completely painless procedure. There was no serious pain after the procedure, so I can recommend it to everyone.
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Exceptional service from their dermatology team. If you need anything, just go to them!
The suspicious mole was removed without pain. It really makes you feel happy and, above all, relieved to see that they know exactly what they are doing💪
NYD team:
dermatology
The Dermatology Outpatient Clinic at the NYD Clinic provides patients with the highest level of treatment. The excellent performance of the outpatient clinic is due to the quality of the outpatient clinic team, with experienced dermatovenerology specialists.
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