Reader question: I had several skin changes, basaloma, which were surgically removed. But some of it has not completely gone away and must now be followed by a scar freeze. How it works? Is it reliable?
The doctor replies, “Pay attention to the skin afterward.”
Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that results mainly from sun exposure and burning of the skin early in life. If you’ve been evaluated by a dermatologist and know what type of basal cell carcinoma you have, you should be able to trust that cryotherapy will work. After all, they chose this technology for you.
Basal cell carcinoma differs from other skin cancers in that it does not send cells to other parts of the body, that is, it does not lead to metastasis. If you have many basal cell carcinomas, it is not a matter of spreading, but rather a sign that your skin tends not to be acclimated to the sun, or that it has sunburned one or more times.
The fact that basal cell carcinoma does not spread makes it less dangerous than other types of skin cancer. But basal cell carcinoma can come back in the same place it was before because there may be changed cells remaining in the skin area after the tumor is removed. Therefore changes are sometimes removed with a small extra margin to avoid recurrence of the tumor. You also have to watch your skin afterwards, and of course, be careful not to get too much sun. A full brim hat with long sleeves and a high SPF is what works if you have fair skin. Staying in the shade is not a mistake if you can.
Ask a doctor
Gunilla Hasselgren is a specialist in general medicine and Honorary Doctor of Medicine at Uppsala University.
Send your questions to: [email protected]
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