Dermatology

• Introduction
• Characteristics of this department
• Skin Tumor Center
• Outpatient schedule
• Medical track record of the clinical department
• Academically certified facility
• Regarding clinical research

Skin Tumor Center

Our center handles the diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin tumors, ranging from benign tumors such as epidermoid cysts to various malignant tumors, including skin cancer. Skin tumors can arise from various causes, and with the increase in the elderly population, the incidence has been rising in recent years, especially the occurrence of skin cancer, which is rapidly increasing. Skin tumors are usually visible to the eye, which makes it easier to notice them early; however, many people may not feel any itching or pain, and the appearance may resemble eczema or dermatitis, so these tumors are sometimes left untreated despite being visible. Especially in the case of skin cancer, delays in diagnosis and treatment can make treatment more difficult, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

At our center, staff with extensive experience in skin tumor diagnosis and treatment from university hospitals and cancer centers can provide appropriate care for various skin tumors within the scope of health insurance. Additionally, we offer second opinions related to skin tumor diagnosis and treatment.

Skin Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment Performed at Our Center

Diagnosis

• Skin Pathology Examination
• Dermoscopy Examination
• Imaging Tests (X-ray, Ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET/CT)
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

The diagnosis of skin tumors requires not only general examinations such as visual inspection and palpation but also a special magnification test called dermoscopy, which is essential, particularly for diagnosing skin cancer. Additionally, imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasound may be required to investigate the tumor's range and internal structure.
The most essential diagnostic test is the microscopic pathological tissue examination. In many cases, a skin biopsy is performed to remove a portion of the tumor for tissue sampling. Since skin cancer often metastasizes to lymph nodes, it may be necessary to perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy, a diagnostic surgical procedure, to estimate and surgically remove the lymph node most likely to have metastasized, based on imaging tests.

Treatment

For Benign Skin Tumors

Skin tumors develop on the skin, which covers the surface of the body, making surgical procedures relatively easier. As such, surgery is the primary treatment method for these tumors. However, depending on the location of the tumor, it may be necessary to preserve the appearance and function after surgery. At our center, we take these factors into account and can propose and perform appropriate excision and reconstruction methods. Additionally, we also offer surgical treatments for large tumors that may require general anesthesia, such as tumors associated with Recklinghausen's disease (neurofibromatosis), and laser treatments for various types of moles or bruises, all within the scope of insurance coverage.

For skin cancer

• Surgical treatment: malignant tumor excision, reconstruction (free skin grafts, various flaps, free flaps), lymph node dissection, etc.
• Pharmacotherapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy).
• Radiation therapy, etc.

Although the primary treatment for skin cancer is surgical excision, depending on the nature of the tumor and the degree of progression, additional procedures such as sentinel lymph node biopsy to detect lymph node metastasis or lymph node dissection for metastatic lymph nodes may be required. If the cancer has spread to organs other than the skin, postoperative chemotherapy may be necessary. In cases where the cancer has progressed too far for surgery, a multidisciplinary treatment approach, combining surgical, pharmacological, and radiotherapy treatments, will be used. Experts from various fields specializing in cancer treatment will collaborate in managing the treatment.
Pharmacotherapy for skin cancer, including chemotherapy, has rapidly advanced with the development of targeted molecular drugs and immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors, which were awarded the Nobel Prize. The staff at our center has been involved in the development of these drugs from their early stages and possesses extensive experience, enabling us to provide the latest treatments within the scope of health insurance coverage.