Skin Cancer – Integrated Treatment of Skin Cancer

The Integrated Treatment of Skin Cancer at the Wiener Privatklinik

Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma – at the Wiener Privatklinik, skin cancer is treated using state-of-the-art treated. In conversation with Priv.-Doz. Dr. Christiane Thallinger, MSc, MBA, attending physician for skin and sexually transmitted diseases.

Dr. Thallinger, what different types of skin tumors are there?

Dr. Christine Thallinger: Basically, all growths originating from the skin are referred to as skin tumors. There are benign and malignant skin tumors, the malignant ones include the various forms of skin cancer. In Central Europe, basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor. The manifestations of basal cell carcinoma are varied: skin-colored, nodular lesions with a whitish, pearly border are the most common, while red spots (often on the trunk) or scarred skin changes can also occur. Advanced basal cell carcinomas tend to form larger, sometimes weeping, bleeding growths. Squamous cell carcinoma (also known as spinalioma or spiny cell carcinoma) is the second most common malignant skin tumor and often develops on chronically light-damaged skin, such as the head or neck. If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma penetrates the tissue and destroys it. It typically manifests itself as a scaly, keratinized elevation of a few millimetres, but in advanced stages it can appear as a bleeding lump that has grown together with surrounding structures. Metastases are rare in basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.

Melanoma, also known as malignant melanoma, is the most aggressive skin tumor. It can appear in various forms, usually as dark brown or black spots, raised or flat. They often show a variety of colors and a blurred border. Melanoma has a poor prognosis if it is detected late and has already metastasized to the organs. Early detection and regular skin cancer screening, at least once a year, can therefore save lives.

What treatment options are available for patients with skin tumors at Wiener Privatklinik?

Dr. Christine Thallinger: All diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are available at Wiener Privatklinik. All therapeutic measures are based on national and international guidelines and are carried out according to the latest scientific findings. The latest research findings are used and applied immediately. This means that every suspicious and potentially malignant skin lesion is subjected to a detailed clinical and reflected light microscopic examination. If the suspicion of malignancy is confirmed, the lesion is removed completely or in the form of a sample and examined histologically and molecularly.

Depending on the type and stage of the tumor, different treatment procedures are initiated. A common treatment method for basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas is complete removal. There are various options for this, from surgical approaches to the use of liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy). If removal is not possible, systemic therapy approaches are used. If the tumor is a histologically confirmed melanoma that has already metastasized, systemic treatment methods such as immunotherapy or targeted therapies are used, sometimes accompanied by surgical measures.

Is there psychological support for patients and relatives at the Wiener Privatklinik?

Dr. Christine Thallinger: Yes, psychological support is very often requested by oncology patients during this difficult time. Not only patients, but also family members need help during this psychologically often consuming time. It is therefore particularly important to us to be able to offer all oncology patients and their relatives individual psychological support from specially trained specialist staff if required.