Operating table for surgical dermatology in the premises of the private dermatology practice in Frankfurt. Here, malignant skin lesions, precursors such as melanomas, carcinomas, actinic keratosis, suspicious moles, fibroids, and cysts are removed.

White skin cancer and precursors

Treatment of white skin cancer

White skin cancer was named to distinguish it from black skin cancer. It refers to tumors of the basal cells, known as basal cell carcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas. They are considered semi-malignant, meaning they are only partially cancerous, because, unlike black skin cancer, they rarely form secondary tumors (metastases) in surrounding organs. Nevertheless, they should not be considered harmless, as they can invade surrounding tissue such as bone or cartilage. For this reason, regular monitoring and treatment are particularly important in the presence of precancerous lesions, such as actinic keratoses.

Forms and origin

    1. Basal cell carcinoma (basalioma) and squamous cell carcinoma: These benign tumors are often recognizable as reddish-yellow, nodular-looking tissue growths. However, their appearance can vary and should be diagnosed by an experienced dermatologist. They are frequently found on sun-exposed areas such as the face, scalp, shoulders, décolleté, and backs of the hands, but can also occur on the legs or torso. Their development is primarily caused by intense UV exposure and is exacerbated by genetic predisposition.
    2. Actinic keratoses: Actinic keratoses appear as skin-colored, reddish, rough irregularities on the skin. They are also found on sun-exposed areas of skin and can develop into squamous cell carcinomas in 10-30% of cases.

Diagnosis

In addition to the clinical presentation and imaging via microscopic video camera, the dermatologist palpates actinic keratoses as rough skin lesions. A histological examination of a tissue sample provides information about the cellular changes present.

Therapy

Depending on the diagnosis, stage, and your individual circumstances, we offer several treatment options, which are tailored to your specific needs. These include the following possibilities:

  1. Creams containing active ingredients that have cell-altering properties (single application or regular application possible)
  2. Laser surgical ablation
  3. Photodynamic Therapy
  4. Surgical removal of basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas
A dermatologist points to a mole located on the back of a female patient. A skin examination has revealed that it is basal cell carcinoma (white skin cancer). The lesion will be treated under specialist supervision.

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