Dr. Vujic, Your Dermatologist in 1030 Vienna and Expert in Skin Cancer and Melanoma, Answers Questions about Skin Cancer and Its Treatment.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS ABOUT SKIN CANCER (PREVENTION)
WHAT IS "WHITE SKIN CANCER" (BASAL CELL CARCINOMA, ACTINIC KERATOSES, SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA)?
Actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common types of skin cancer and are referred to as "white skin cancer." Unlike "black skin cancer," which is melanoma, white skin cancer can sometimes be treated without surgical intervention in its early stages. Another significant difference from melanoma is that "white skin cancer" rarely causes metastases (secondary tumors in other organs).
However, types of white skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, can also be dangerous as they aggressively invade surrounding tissues. Therefore, Dr. Vujic places great importance on early detection of skin cancer:
“The earlier skin cancer is detected, the easier the treatment, and the lower the risk of complications.”
- Dr. Vujic, Your Dermatologist in Vienna 1030.
WHAT DOES A BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (WHITE SKIN CANCER) LOOK LIKE?
Basal cell carcinoma usually occurs on sun-exposed skin, primarily on the face. However, there are also basal cell carcinomas that are covered by clothing. Often, they appear as small, light, or skin-colored nodules that can sometimes bleed.
WHAT DO ACTINIC KERATOSES LOOK LIKE?
Actinic keratoses are precursors to squamous cell carcinoma. Like basal cell carcinomas, they primarily occur on sun-damaged skin (often on the face – forehead, nose, and cheeks). Actinic keratoses are noticeable as small, rough patches of skin. Sometimes, small crusts can be found, which patients often remove with their nails, only for them to reappear at the same spot.
WHAT DOES SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SPINOCELLULAR CARCINOMA) LOOK LIKE?
Squamous cell carcinoma, which can develop from actinic keratoses, is primarily found on sun-damaged skin (nose, cheeks, forehead). Initially, squamous cell carcinoma appears as a reddish, rough, and sometimes scaly or crusty area. If left untreated, it can bleed or develop into a significant lump.
WHAT IS BLACK SKIN CANCER, WHAT IS MELANOMA?
Melanoma, or black skin cancer, is a very aggressive and malignant cancer in its advanced stage. Melanoma develops from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin – hence its typically dark color. Sometimes, melanoma can also develop from a mole.
In contrast to "white skin cancer," advanced melanoma has metastases, or secondary tumors in various organs. This makes melanoma particularly dangerous!
“Early detection of suspicious lesions is crucial for melanoma – the thicker a melanoma grows in the skin, the higher the probability of metastasis!” - Dr. Vujic, Dermatologist and Researcher (over 30 scientific publications on melanoma and its treatment).
HOW CAN I PREVENT SKIN CANCER?
Almost all types of skin cancer (melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinoma) are associated with sun exposure. Therefore, consistent sun protection starting from childhood is very important. Different skin types require different sunscreens, and your dermatologist, Dr. Vujic, can advise you on which sunscreen will suit you best.
Skin cancer prevention with Dr. Vujic, your dermatologist in 1030 Vienna, is crucial as early detection of skin cancer can often prevent major surgeries and suffering. Check-ups should occur annually, depending on skin type.
WHAT DOES SKIN CANCER SCREENING LOOK LIKE WITH DR. VUJIC IN VIENNA?
Your dermatologist, Dr. Vujic, will ask if you have noticed any skin changes, if you have previously had skin cancer, or if your family members have been affected.
Next, your entire skin, from head to toe (including mucous membranes), will be thoroughly examined. Suspicious lesions will be illuminated, magnified, and photographed using modern technology. The photos are stored in a specialized system, allowing for monitoring over time. If the skin lesions change during the next check-up, therapy can be initiated immediately. Skin cancer screening is painless and should be repeated annually (depending on skin type, medical history, and the number of suspicious lesions).
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR SKIN CANCER
WHAT DOES THE TREATMENT OF SKIN CANCER WITH DERMATOLOGIST DR. VUJIC LOOK LIKE?
“The key factor in skin cancer treatment is early detection, which is why skin cancer screening is so important!”
– Dr. Vujic, Dermatologist, Vienna.
Early, very thin forms of white skin cancer can be treated with cryotherapy (freezing), various creams, or photodynamic "light" therapy. However, the safest method is the surgical removal of the skin cancer. Only through subsequent histological examination by a pathologist can it be confirmed that the skin cancer has been completely removed.
For pigmented skin cancer, melanoma, surgical removal is always indicated. Only then can histology under a microscope determine whether the cancer is malignant and advanced.
Your Vienna dermatologist, Dr. Vujic, is an expert in surgical skin cancer removal (over 700 dermatological surgeries by 2018) and is happy to provide you with non-binding advice on possible surgical or medicinal methods for skin cancer treatment.
The operations usually take a short time and can be performed under local anesthesia, thus eliminating the need for hospital stays.
If a major procedure and further treatments are necessary, you will be referred by Dr. Vujic to the dermatology department of the Rudolfstiftung hospital, where he has been working with skin cancer patients for years.
SKIN CANCER SURGERY, MOLE REMOVAL IN VIENNA WITH DR. VUJIC
Dermatologist Dr. Vujic is an expert in surgical skin cancer therapy (over 600 skin surgeries). Most operations can be effectively performed under local anesthesia. After disinfection and marking the tumor boundaries and safety margins, you will receive an injection with a local anesthetic. A few minutes later, the skin will be numb, and the procedure can be performed painlessly. The skin is usually sutured after the procedure. The stitches remain in the skin for 7-14 days, depending on the location, and are then removed by Dr. Vujic. During this visit, the histological findings will be discussed in detail. If you require further therapies, there is a close connection to the skin cancer center of the dermatology department at the ‘Klinik Landstrasse’ hospital.
