The skin is the largest human organ with a surface area of 1.5 to 2 m2 in adults. As in other organs, cellular changes can develop in the skin and lead to skin cancer. Skin cancer is a collective term for various forms of malignant diseases of the skin and is the most common type of cancer in humans.
The risk of developing skin cancer is higher in the Swiss population than in any other European country. One of the reasons for this is probably that UV exposure is particularly high during leisure activities in the mountains. It is estimated that 25,000 people in Switzerland develop skin cancer every year, of which around 2,700 develop the particularly dangerous black skin cancer (melanoma). The survival rate is high compared to other types of cancer, provided the cancer or its precursors are detected at an early stage.
This is why early detection of melanoma, or black skin cancer, is particularly important in order to recognize the cancer at an early stage while a cure is still possible. However, early detection also facilitates treatment and leads to better results in the much more common forms of white skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma (spinalioma) or basal cell carcinoma.
For many years, the AARE KLINIK has specialized in the surgical treatment of white and black skin cancer as well as reconstruction after skin cancer removal. PD Dr. Oliver Scheufler achieves natural-looking, inconspicuous and functional results in facial reconstruction using modern plastic surgery techniques.
The aesthetic and function-restoring reconstruction of important anatomical structures, such as the nose, ears, eyelids or lips, contributes significantly to the complete recovery (rehabilitation) of patients after skin cancer. Plastic surgery aims to restore diseased or damaged tissue and organ structures and to avoid disfigurement and stigmatization by achieving an inconspicuous appearance.
Skin cancer screening
Skin cancer screening and early detection help to discover skin cancer at an early stage. The earlier skin cancer is detected, the better it can be treated. In particular, early detection also facilitates cancer removal and surgical reconstruction. Skin cancer screening is carried out by our dermatological partners.
Self-test for skin cancer: the ABCDE test
The chances of recovery from skin cancer depend crucially on the time at which it is detected. It is therefore advisable to regularly check yourself and your family or partner for newly appearing moles and changing pigment spots. If you notice any abnormalities, you should consult a doctor who specializes in skin cancer. They can examine the affected area professionally using a special microscope.
The A-B-C-D-E test, which is recommended by all dermatological and oncological associations, has proven to be a simple and good rule. Simply go through it point by point and check whether new moles have formed or existing moles have changed according to these criteria:
A = Asymmetry
Moles are usually round, oval or elongated and have a symmetrical shape. However, if they are asymmetrical, you should consult a doctor.
B = Boundary
Birthmarks usually have a smooth, clearly defined outer edge. However, if this is jagged or blurred without a clear outline, a check-up is advisable.
C = Color
Moles are usually single-colored. If a single mole has several shades of color with pink, gray or black spots or bloody areas, have this clarified.
D = Diameter
If a mole is larger than five millimetres at its widest point or has a hemispherical shape, it should be examined by an expert.
E = Elevation
If a mole protrudes more than one millimeter above the surrounding skin, it should be assessed by a doctor.
Not every abnormality mentioned above means skin cancer. However, if in doubt, a medical examination is recommended, firstly because undetected skin cancer can be very dangerous and secondly because it has a very good chance of being cured if it is detected early.
On January 1, 2020, the new Cancer Registration Act (KRG) and the Cancer Registration Ordinance (KRV) came into force in Switzerland. Skin cancers, with the exception of basal cell cancer (basal cell carcinoma), have been subject to mandatory reporting since January 2020 and are recorded in the Bern Solothurn Cantonal Cancer Registry (KRBESO). Further information on the Cancer Registration Act and the Bern Solothurn Cancer Registry is available at the AARE KLINIK and on the Internet (www.bag.admin.ch; www.krebsregister.unibe.ch).