Diagnosed tumor is a scamous cell carcinoma in situ; This type of cancer originates in squamous cells, present in the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) and mucous membranes like mouth and throat
The former president was diagnosed with skin cancer confirmed on Wednesday (17). Two of the eight lesions removed on Sunday were identified as malignant by biopsy. The medical team said that after surgical removal of tumors, Bolsonaro will only need to monitor skin injuries, without the need for additional treatments such as chemotherapy.
The diagnosed tumor is a scamous cell carcinoma in situ. According to the medical bulletin, this type of cancer originates in squamous cells, present in the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) and mucous membranes such as mouth and throat. The “in situ” classification indicates that the tumor is restricted to the scaly cells without invading other tissues. “It has not penetrated into the lower layers of the epidermis, so the degree of aggressiveness is very low. It is a curable tumor with surgical excision,” explains Veridiana Camargo, dermatologist at BP – the Portuguese Beneficence of São Paulo.
Experts consulted confirm that scamous cell carcinoma in situ has a great prognosis when detected and early removed. “In situ squamous cell cancer, at this stage, it has no capacity to invade close fabrics or giving distance metastasis, for example for lymph nodes or other organs,” says Flávio Brandão, an oncologist at Oncoclínicas.
However, if not treated, this type of tumor can evolve into an invasive spinocellular carcinoma of faster and more aggressive growth. “Obviously if it is left untreated, it can evolve into invasive, more severe, more difficult treatment. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment,” warns Brandão, who points out that the process of evolution usually takes years.
Confirmation of malignancy and type of cancer are possible only by biopsy. However, the scast carcinoma usually presents itself as a slim-red, scaly or slick and flat injury and can be confused with psoriasis or dermatitis. It can also emerge as a wound that does not heal. “It may remember an inflamed skin stain that rips. This can confuse and delay the diagnosis,” warns dermatologist Natasha Credaldi.
The main cause of scaly cell carcinoma is frequent and unprotected sun exposure, which explains its occurrence in areas such as face, scalp, nape, trunk and arms. Skin and light eyes, as well as the elderly, have a higher risk. Those who have already had the disease should perform annual dermatological follow -up.
Standard treatment for scamous cell carcinoma in situ is surgical removal of the lesion, which in most cases is sufficient for healing. In specific situations, such as initial lesions in hard -to -reach areas or multiple tumors, topical treatments, cauterization or cryotherapy may be used. It is important to differentiate the carcinoma from scamous cells in situ from other types of skin cancer. Basocellular carcinoma, which originates in basal cells, is the least aggressive, with slow growth and rare invasion of other tissues. Melanoma, which appears in melanocytes, is the most aggressive, with metastasis capacity even in small injuries, usually manifesting as a dark, rapid growth and irregular edges.
*With information from Estadão Content
