Skin Cancer

Skin cancer typically develops in sun-exposed areas; however, not every skin irregularity is cancer. Nonetheless, suspicious lesions deserve further attention. The advantage of skin cancer is its visibility to the naked eye; therefore, self-examination and timely consultation are essential. Early detection saves lives.

During the initial consultation,
• We will assess your skin concern, medical history, previous treatments, and overall health
• Medical photographs may be taken for documentation
• Dermatology consultation may be requested for full-body skin checks
• A biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis
🧪 Note: Even if the lesion is removed during biopsy, this does not count as full treatment. Final treatment planning depends on biopsy results, including the extent of surgery, possible reconstruction, and cosmetic outcomes.

Anestezi: Lokal anestezi, sedasyon veya genel anestezi seçeneklerinden biri tercih edilir.
Tümörün Uzaklaştırılması: Cerrahi sınır gözetilerek tümör çıkarılır. Gerekirse sentinel lenf nodu biyopsisi veya lenf nodu diseksiyonu yapılabilir.
Onarım (Rekonstrüksiyon): Çıkarılan tümör sonrası oluşan defekt, çeşitli rekonstrüktif cerrahi teknikleri kullanılarak onarılır.
Adjuvan (Ek) Tedaviler: Gerekirse radyoterapi veya kemoterapi uygulanabilir.

1. Anesthesia
o Local sedation or general anesthesia was selected based on the procedure.
2. Tumor Removal
o The tumor is excised with clean surgical margins
o In some cases, sentinel lymph node biopsy or node dissection may be required
3. Reconstruction
o The defect created after removal is repaired using reconstructive surgical techniques
4. Adjuvant Treatments
o Radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be added if necessary

Early Risks:
• Anesthesia-related complications
• Allergic reactions to medications or dressings
• Infection, pain, or wound healing issues
Late Risks:
• Noticeable scarring
• Tumor recurrence
• Need for revision surgery
• Systemic spread of the cancer

Recovery depends on the extent of the surgery.
• Rest is essential during the initial period
• Dressings and medications will be used
• Whether stitches need to be removed and when you can return to daily activities will be discussed pre-operatively
• Regular follow-up is crucial

Common treatment methods for skin tumors, particularly in the head and neck area, include the following.
• Surgery: Complete removal of the tumor, sometimes including neck lymph nodes or salivary glands
• Radiotherapy: Uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells
• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to destroy or inhibit cancer cells
• Targeted Therapy: Focuses on cancer-specific molecules or mutations
• Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer

In cases involving the lips, gums, chin, or face, plastic surgeons should ensure the following:
• Tumors are removed without compromising healthy tissue unnecessarily
• Reconstruction maintains both function and aesthetic appearance
• Tissue transfers (flaps) are used to close surgical defects
Postoperative consultation with a plastic surgeon may also be necessary for patients recovering from complex facial tumor surgeries.

✔ Attend regular follow-ups
✔ Keep the surgical site clean and dry
✔ Avoid sun exposure
✔ No showers for the first few days post-op
✔ Avoid swimming pools and the sea
✔ Follow all instructions provided by your surgeon
🛑 Remember: Early diagnosis and treatment of any skin lesion can be life-saving. Be proactive and talk openly with your doctor before and after treatment to play an active role in your care.