Dermatology

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is indeed the most prevalent form of skin cancer, typically stemming from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whether from the sun or tanning beds. This type of cancer typically manifests as a shiny, pearly bump or a flat, flesh-colored lesion that may resemble a scar, appearing predominantly on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, scalp, ears, shoulders, and back.  The best dermatologists in Chennai treat skin conditions caused by sun damage.

While basal cell carcinoma typically grows slowly and has a low likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body, prompt treatment is crucial to prevent further complications and disfigurement. Here are some expanded details on various treatment options:

Treatments

• Surgical Excision: This involves removing the cancerous tissue along with a surrounding margin of healthy skin to ensure complete removal of the cancer cells. It’s a standard treatment for most basal cell carcinomas and offers high cure rates. Consulting the best dermatologist in Chennai can help determine if this approach is suitable for you.
• Mohs Surgery: Particularly effective for tumors with irregular shapes or borders or those located in cosmetically sensitive areas, Mohs surgery involves removing thin layers of cancer-containing skin one at a time, examining each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells remain. This technique minimizes the removal of healthy tissue.
• Cryotherapy: This technique involves freezing the cancer cells with liquid nitrogen, causing them to die and slough off. Cryotherapy is often suitable for small, superficial basal cell carcinomas and is a quick, outpatient procedure.
• Topical Treatments: Certain prescription creams or gels containing medications like imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) can be applied directly to the affected area. These medications work by stimulating the body’s immune response to target and destroy cancer cells. Topical treatments are typically reserved for superficial basal cell carcinomas.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation can be directed at the cancerous area to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often employed when surgery isn’t feasible due to the tumor’s location or the patient’s health condition.
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): This innovative treatment involves applying a photosensitizing agent to the skin, which is then activated by a specific wavelength of light. When exposed to light, the photosensitizer produces a form of oxygen that kills nearby cancer cells. PDT is particularly effective for superficial basal cell carcinomas or lesions in cosmetically sensitive areas.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a prevalent form of skin cancer originating in the squamous cells of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. It typically manifests as either a raised, firm, red nodule or a flat sore with a scaly crust. These growths often emerge on areas of the body frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, hands, and arms.

While SCC can initially appear innocuous, it possesses the potential to invade nearby tissues and metastasize to other parts of the body if left untreated, underscoring the critical importance of early detection and intervention. The top skin specialist in Chennai often sees it manifest on sun-exposed areas. Treatments include:

Treatments:

• Surgical Excision: This approach involves the physical removal of the cancerous tissue along with a margin of healthy skin to ensure complete eradication of the tumor. It is often the primary treatment for localized SCC, offering high rates of cure when performed adequately.
• Mohs Micrographic Surgery: This meticulous surgical technique entails the progressive removal and examination of thin layers of tissue, allowing for precise identification and excision of cancerous cells while sparing healthy surrounding tissue. Mohs surgery is particularly beneficial for SCC located in cosmetically sensitive or functionally critical areas, as it maximizes tissue preservation and minimizes scarring.
• Cryotherapy: Also known as cryosurgery, this procedure involves the application of extreme cold through liquid nitrogen or other freezing agents to destroy cancer cells. Cryotherapy is typically employed for superficial SCC lesions or for individuals who are poor candidates for surgical intervention due to various reasons. Consulting a dermatologist in Chennai helps ensure the proper application of cryotherapy, offering an effective treatment option for those with superficial skin cancers or other related skin conditions.
• Laser Therapy: Laser technology is utilized to target and obliterate cancerous cells selectively. This minimally invasive approach is often preferred for small, superficial SCC lesions, offering precise control and minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Radiation Therapy: This treatment modality employs high-energy radiation beams to target and eradicate cancer cells. It is commonly employed for SCC cases where surgical intervention is impractical or contraindicated, such as large or deeply invasive tumors or those located in anatomically challenging regions.
• Topical Chemotherapy: Certain topical medications containing chemotherapeutic agents, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimod, can be applied directly to the skin to eradicate superficial SCC lesions. These medications work by disrupting cancer cell growth and inducing cell death, offering a non-invasive treatment option for select cases of SCC.

What are the types of squamous cell carcinoma?

• Cutaneous SCC: The most common form, often occurring on sun-exposed skin areas like the face, ears, and neck. It is usually treatable when detected early​.
• Acral SCC: This rare type appears on non-sun-exposed areas such as palms, soles, and mucous membranes. It is more common in individuals with darker skin​.
• Bowen’s Disease: A pre-cancerous form of SCC that appears as red, scaly patches, often on the trunk, and can evolve into invasive SCC if untreated​.

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a precancerous condition treated at the top skin specialist in Chennai, characterized by rough patches due to sun exposure. These patches, also known as solar keratoses, typically manifest on areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, lips, ears, back of the hands, and forearms. While these lesions are often benign, they are considered precancerous and have the potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.

Treatments:

• Cryotherapy: This involves the application of liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the abnormal cells. Cryotherapy is a common and effective treatment for isolated lesions.
• Topical Treatments: Medications such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), imiquimod, and diclofenac gel can be applied directly to the affected area. These topical agents work by targeting and eliminating abnormal cells over a period of weeks to months.
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): PDT combines the use of a photosensitizing agent, which is applied to the skin, with exposure to a specific wavelength of light. When the photosensitizer is activated by light, it generates reactive oxygen species that selectively destroy abnormal cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Chemical Peels: Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which causes controlled exfoliation of the outer layers. This process removes the damaged skin cells containing actinic keratoses and stimulates the growth of healthier skin.
• Laser Resurfacing: Laser resurfacing procedures utilize high-energy laser beams to precisely remove the superficial layers of the skin affected by actinic keratosis. This promotes the growth of new, healthier skin cells and improves overall skin texture and appearance.
• Surgical Removal: In cases where actinic keratoses are large, thick, or resistant to other treatments, surgical excision may be necessary. This involves cutting out the lesion and surrounding tissue to ensure complete removal. Consulting a dermatologist in Chennai ensures proper evaluation and the most appropriate treatment options for managing actinic keratoses, including surgical excision, to achieve optimal outcomes and prevent further complications.

Treatments:

• Cryotherapy: This method involves freezing the growth using liquid nitrogen, causing it to blister and eventually fall off. It’s a common and relatively simple procedure performed in a dermatologist’s office.
• Curettage: In this procedure, the dermatologist employs a curette, a spoon-shaped instrument, to scrape off the lesion. It’s often used in conjunction with other methods for complete removal.
• Laser Therapy: Laser treatment targets the lesion with concentrated light, effectively vaporizing it. It’s a precise method that can be especially useful for smaller growths or those in sensitive areas.
• Electrocautery: This technique employs heat generated by an electric current to burn off the growth. It’s efficient for removing multiple lesions in one session and is often used for thicker or more stubborn growths.
• Chemical Peel: A chemical solution is applied to the skin, causing it to exfoliate and peel off, thus removing the superficial layers along with the lesion. This method can help improve the appearance of the skin and is particularly suitable for multiple or widespread lesions.
• Shave Excision: Using a surgical blade, the dermatologist shaves off the growth at skin level. It’s a quick outpatient procedure that provides immediate results, although it may require sutures depending on the size and location of the lesion.

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Causes of Seborrheic Keratosis:

• Aging: Common in older adults, typically appearing after age 40.
• Genetics: Tends to run in families, suggesting a hereditary link.
• Sun Exposure: UV exposure may play a role, though not fully confirmed.
• Skin Friction: Areas prone to rubbing, like under clothes, may develop growths.

Seborrheic keratosis is non-cancerous and generally harmless, though often treated for cosmetic reasons.

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