It is a type of skin cancer that grows in cells that are located in the outer layer of the skin called the “epidermis”, generally in parts of the skin that get a lot of sun such as the head, neck or in some parts of the face like the nose, explains Dr. Mauricio Leon, Surgical Oncologist of our clinic.

According to our specialist, this type of cancer appears as a consequence of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays; being more common in adults over 50, although it can also affect people of any age.

He adds that, in most cases, the main symptoms are skin changes, such as a non-healing wound. Skin lesions generally appear as raised, shiny and firm bumps, of pink color or almost transparent and with time visible blood vessels may appear on its surface, forming a kind of scab that can bleed and “apparently heal”, he specified.

Surgery is the main treatment. The most common method is surgical excision, that is, removing the lesion and the healthy tissue that surrounds it. Although it is very rare, it can also spread to nearby lymph nodes and/or other areas of the body, where chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatment will be necessary.

Dr. Leon recommends wearing light-colored, loose-fitting, long-sleeved cotton clothing that covers most of the body in addition to encouraging the use of wide-brimmed hats or caps with visor, UV filter lenses, and, above all, sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 50, even when using masks.

Dr. Mauricio León
Surgical Oncologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma

Source: pressperu.com