dermatoonkoloogia

Dermato-oncology is a specialized field within dermatology that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of skin cancers. This includes a range of malignant tumors that arise from the cells of the skin, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and less common types like Merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous lymphomas. The primary goal of dermato-oncology is to detect skin cancers at their earliest stages, when they are most treatable, and to provide effective therapeutic strategies to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough visual examination of the skin, often aided by dermatoscopy, a technique that magnifies skin lesions. Biopsies are frequently performed to obtain tissue samples for microscopic examination, which is crucial for confirming the diagnosis and determining the specific type and characteristics of the cancer. Treatment approaches vary depending on the type, stage, and location of the skin cancer. Common treatment modalities include surgical excision, Mohs surgery (a precise surgical technique to remove cancer layer by layer), radiation therapy, topical chemotherapy, and systemic therapies such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, particularly for advanced or metastatic skin cancers.

Prevention and early detection are key aspects of dermato-oncology. Public education on sun protection, recognizing suspicious skin lesions, and regular self-examination are vital in reducing the incidence and mortality associated with skin cancer. Patients at higher risk, such as those with a history of sunburns, fair skin, a weakened immune system, or a family history of skin cancer, are often advised to undergo regular professional skin screenings. The field emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, often involving dermatologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists working collaboratively to provide comprehensive patient care.