IMMEDIATE RESULTS OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF STAGE III FACIAL SKIN CANCER: A CLINICAL CASE

Abstract

Relevance: Most cases of skin cancer are widespread on continents with predominantly fair-skinned populations and high levels of ultraviolet radiation exposure, such as Australia and New Zealand. In Kazakhstan, as well as throughout the world, there is an increasing trend in the incidence of skin cancer. In 2023, 4,481 new cases of this disease were registered, of which 85% were basal cell carcinoma. Kazakh Institute of Oncology and Radiology (Almaty, Kazakhstan) utilizes various methods, including surgical excision, which remains the main treatment method, as well as radiation therapy, electrochemotherapy, and cryotherapy.
The study aimed to describe a case of surgical treatment of a patient under local anesthesia with stage III basal cell skin cancer of the zygomatic region on the left, accompanied by clinical bleeding and pain.
Methods: The article describes a case of surgical treatment of skin cancer under local infiltration anesthesia.
Results: The postoperative period proceeded without complications. The cosmetic result was assessed as satisfactory. The patient did not experience difficulties with facial movements, and no sensory disturbances were observed. The patient was discharged home with recommendations to consult a radiologist considering the tumor histotype to decide on the possibility of a postoperative course of radiation therapy.
Conclusion: The presented case demonstrates the possibility of performing surgery for stage II-III skin cancer with complete closure of the defect under local anesthesia. This may be an alternative to general anesthesia in patients with concomitant diseases and a high risk of complications. The method can be used in the absence of tumor invasion into the bone to avoid the difficulties associated with general anesthesia.