Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Greece, due to the bright sunshine and the population's excessive exposure to the sun.

The most common types of skin cancer are the following three:
- Basal cell carcinoma (epithelioma), with a cure rate of up to 100% and a metastasis rate of 0%.
- Squamous cell carcinoma, with a metastasis rate of 5-10% depending on the histological picture and location.
- Melanoma, which is one of the most aggressive cancers with a high rate of metastasis depending on the depth of the lesion, the presence or absence of ulceration, the location and the histological picture.

The development and progression of melanoma depends to the following factors:

1) Genetic predisposition: 5-10% of melanoma patients have a family history.
2) Sun exposure: UVB radiation associated with the ozone hole, is a risk factor for the development of melanoma.
3) Phototype: People with blue eyes, blond or red hair and fair skin tone are more prone to develop melanoma.
4) Sunburn in childhood.
5) Number of moles on the body: When this number exceeds 100, then it is certain that we should be checked at least 2 times a year.
6) Immunosuppression.

Early diagnosis is the most effective way to treat the disease.

In case there is a change in the color and/or size of a mole or bleeding, you have to contact the doctor directly.

Removal and biopsy of the lesion is recommended. Followinf this, if it is discovered that this lesion is melanoma, we proceed with additional removal of at least 1.5 to 2 centimeters around the pre-existing scar, always depending on the depth of the lesion. When the depth of the damage goes beyond the epidermis, into the dermis (middle layer of the skin), then we apply the "sentinel lymph node" technique.

The sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping technique

The sentinel lymph node mapping technique is applied in two ways: Using a blue dye and taking radioactive medicine.

The mixed technique is 96-98% reliable.

It is applied at the IASO Thessaly and is related to the examination-biopsy of the lymph nodes that are closest to the core of the melanoma. The detection of these lymph nodes is done by using a special Geiger counter, which detects radioactive radiation. When these lymph nodes are positive, then we proceed with the surgical removal of the remaining lymph nodes. If there is no infiltration from the melanoma, i.e. the lymph nodes are negative, then we do not proceed with their removal.

The patient then follows a treatment protocol by the pathologist-oncologist and is checked regularly, both with blood and imaging tests.

Patient survival rates depend on the depth of the melanoma, the presence or absence of positive lymph nodes, and the patient's response to treatment.