Non-melanoma skin cancer
"In early localized skin cancer, survival rates are very high, above 80 or 90%. In these cases, surgery makes it possible to control the disease".
DR. EDUARDO CASTAÑÓN ÁLVAREZ
COORDINATOR. SKIN CANCER AND MELANOMA AREA
Skin cancer is one of the tumours with the highest incidence in humans, however, its preventable and curable nature must be emphasised. Non-melanoma skin cancer refers to all types of skin cancer that are not melanomas.
In most cases, non-melanoma skin cancer appears in people over 30 years of age and mainly in those with significant sun exposure, frequent burns or who have fair skin that is difficult to pigment.
There are different types of non-melanoma skin cancer, the most common being basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The causes of skin cancer are sun exposure and, in some cases, genetic inheritance.
The prognosis for cure depends on early detection and correct removal, which favour the cure of skin cancer. Our specialists are experts in performing Mohs surgery, a highly complex microscopic technique that provides better healing results than conventional techniques.
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Symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer
Each type of skin cancer has its own manifestations, but they all have in common the appearance of lesions on the skin that gradually grow.
Symptoms in the case of basal cell carcinoma
It usually appears on an area of skin chronically exposed to the sun as an ulcerated, pearly lesion or simply as a change in skin colour, without a history of a previous pre-malignant lesion.
Symptoms in the case of squamous cell carcinoma
In contrast, squamous cell carcinoma usually presents mostly as a crusty lesion on reddish skin (actinic keratosis) which, over time, growth and sometimes bleeding, may reveal malignant transformation.
Symptoms in the case of lip mucosa
In other cases, such as on the mucous membranes and in particular on the labial mucosa, premalignant whitish plaques (leukoplakia) appear as a consequence of intense sun exposure in this area or a long-standing smoking habit.
When this type of tumour transforms into a cutaneous neoplasm, it is clinically characterised as an excrescent (lumpy) tumour lesion, which may ulcerate and is often accompanied by bleeding.
Do you have any of these symptoms?
If you suspect that you have any of the above symptoms,
you should consult a medical specialist for a diagnosis.
What are the causes of skin cancer?
Firstly, it has been established that solar radiation is the most important factor. This important role is evidenced by the appearance of this type of neoplasm in people with significant exposure to the sun throughout their lives and, furthermore, by the appearance of these neoplasms in anatomical areas exposed to sunlight.
Secondly, in many cases, the appearance of skin cancer is determined by a genetic factor, when there is a family history of skin neoplasms.
Prognosis of non-melanoma skin cancer
Early detection and correct removal will help to cure skin cancer. Not all skin cancers have the same prognosis. Furthermore, the same type of cancer, depending on whether it is more or less advanced, will have a worse or better prognosis.
Basal cell carcinomas: In many cases, this type of skin cancer can be cured by correctly removing the entire tumour. Moreover, as this type of neoplasm very rarely metastasises, correct surgery completely eliminates the disease.
Squamous cell carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinoma can metastasise, mainly in tumours of long evolution. However, if surgical removal is performed early, the prognosis is usually good in most cases.
How is non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed?
Our experience allows us to detect this pathology at an early stage and offer a better chance of cure. A thorough and detailed examination by the dermatologist is sufficient to make an early diagnosis of premalignant lesions and indicate a treatment depending on the type of lesion.
The Department of Dermatology at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra has the most advanced technology for the diagnosis and treatment of this pathology. Dermatoscopes with epiluminescence allow us to explore moles and obtain more information than is available with ocular inspection alone.
In addition, we can digitise this information for use in future examinations and to carry out comparative studies of your skin and the lesions you present.
Non-melanoma skin cancer treatment
Mohs Surgery
In the Clinica we are specialists in Mohs surgery, controlled under the microscope. It is a technique of great complexity and specialization, but it provides the best results.
This technique is very delicate and requires very specialized personnel. It is applied in cases such as large neoplasms, with a long evolution time or in those with several local recurrences due to incomplete removal.
The Department of Dermatology of the University of Navarra Clinic has great experience in this type of surgery. It provides the highest rate of cure, compared to traditional techniques.
Rhenium-SCT
Rhenium-SCT is an innovative therapy for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
It uses a resin containing the radioisotope rhenium-188, which emits short-range beta radiation, allowing precise targeting of cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Rhenium-SCT is available at the Skin Cancer and Melanoma Area of the Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra, where a multidisciplinary team evaluates the best therapeutic option for each patient, ensuring a personalized and safe approach.
Where do we treat it?
IN NAVARRA AND MADRID
The Department of Dermatology
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Department of Dermatology of the Clinica Universidad de Navarra has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of dermatological diseases.
We have extensive experience in highly precise surgical treatments, such as Mohs surgery. This procedure requires highly specialized personnel.
We have the latest technology for the dermo-aesthetic treatment of skin lesions, with the aim of achieving the best results for our patients.
Diseases we treat
Why at the Clinica?
- Experts in Mohs Surgery for the treatment of skin cancer.
- We have the best technology for dermo-aesthetic treatments.
- Safety and quality assurance of the best private hospital in Spain.
Our team of experts in non-melanoma skin cancer
