[The aged scalp : A dermato-oncological focus point]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and precursor lesions are increasingly prevalent, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, especially on the scalp.
• Clinical diagnosis is often followed by histological confirmation, with surgical excision being the primary treatment for invasive carcinomas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer and its precursor lesions.
• To highlight challenges in managing these conditions, particularly in elderly patients and on difficult-to-access scalp locations.

Main Methods:

• Review of current dermatological practices for NMSC diagnosis and treatment.
• Discussion of therapeutic options, including surgical excision, radiation, and systemic therapies.
• Emphasis on risk factors, prevention strategies, and the importance of early detection.

Main Results:

• Complete surgical excision is the preferred treatment for invasive NMSC.
• Numerous therapeutic options exist for precursor lesions, requiring individualized patient approaches.
• Chronic UV exposure is the primary risk factor, necessitating consideration of occupational contexts and sun protection education.

Conclusions:

• Early diagnosis and guideline-compatible treatment significantly improve the prognosis of NMSC.
• Patient education on sun protection is crucial for prevention.
• Management strategies must be adapted to individual patient needs and lesion characteristics.