Features of the organization of medical care for patients with skin cancer using radiation therapy

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Malignant skin diseases occupy the 2ndplace in the frequency of prevalence after breast cancer. Basal cell carcinoma of the skin (basal cell carcinoma of the skin) is most often diagnosed, its share is 6080% of all malignant skin diseases. Squamous cell skin cancer is much less common and accounts for 1825%. The annual increase in cancer incidence with localization of the process on the skin is from 3 to 10%. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the features of the organization of medical care for patients with skin cancer using radiation therapy in Moscow and to develop recommendations for its improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analysis of the results of treatment with short-focus radiation therapy of 461 patients with skin cancer in a large multidisciplinary hospital was carried out. RESULTS: The health status of patients with skin cancer was studied, in which 88.0% of cases had basal cell skin cancer, and 12.0% had squamous cell skin cancer; 90.1% of these patients were over 50 yr old. Medical care was provided in the radiotherapy department. The condition of patients after a course of short-focus radiation therapy allowed to obtain a positive cosmetic effect, and relapses occurred in 3.0% of patients. Measures have been identified to improve the organization of medical care for patients with skin cancer and to improve the quality of treatment results. CONCLUSION: The most effective strategy for the treatment of skin cancer with the best cosmetic result is to accelerate the process of determining treatment methods before the start of radiation therapy and conducting short-focus radiation therapy four times a week.