Cryosurgery method in treatment of patients with skin cancer of the head

Introduction. Non-melanoma skin cancers are the most common in the world among all skin malignant tumors. The proportion of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin accounts for about 97% of cases of non-melanoma skin tumors, and BCC is found 3-5 times more often than SCC. Skin tumors of the head and neck have a special clinical significance, affecting structures and organs with individual anatomical relief and vital functions. The aim of the study. The study is aimed to improve the results of treatment of patients with cancer of the head and neck by determination the indications for cryosurgery treatment of these tumors on the basis of a complex study of the immediate and long-term results of treatment. Material and methods. Cryosurgery treatment was performed on 236 patients with BCC (222) and SCC (14) of skin of the head and neck, including neoplasms corresponding to symbol T1 - 100, T2 -88, T3 - 7; 41 patients had recurrences of skin cancer after various treatment modality. Result. In stage I of basal cell and squamous cell skin carcinoma, the recurrence rate after cryosurgery treatment was 3%, in stage II - 5.3%. All recurrent tumors were successfully removed. After cryosurgery treatment of recurrent skin cancer, the frequency of recurrent relapses of the disease depended on the size of the recurrent tumor. The best aesthetic and long-term results were observed with neoplasms with clear boundaries smaller than 1 cm in size. Surgical removal of the tumor was performed when the disease recurred again. Good aesthetic and functional results were achieved after cryosurgery. Conclusion. The cryosurgery is the method of choice and the optimal kind of treatment for most patients with stage I basal cell and squamous cell skin carcinoma of the head. For treatment of more advanced and recurrent forms of skin cancer, the method of cryosurgery can be applied in a number of patients according with the developed indications.