Epithelioma Pagetoid

Epithelioma (eng. epithelioma - epitheliosis) is a common name for several malignant tumors of epithelial origin. Some of them arise as a result of metastasis of another, primary cancer. In this article we will look at one of the epitheliomas - **Pagetoid epithelioma (flat superficial skin basal cell carcinoma)**.

Epithelioma is a tumor of epithelial tissue that is formed as a result of changes in the normal structure of epithelial cells. It can occur in any part of the body, including the skin, internal organs, lungs, etc. Some types of epithelioma can be malignant, which means they can spread throughout the body and cause serious complications. 1

One of the most common forms of epithelioma is basal cell carcinoma or **basaloid skin cancer (squamous basal cell carcinoma).** This **malignant tumor of the skin** originates from the cells of the basal layer. 2 Basal cell tumors may also be called “skin cancers” or simply “skin cancers.”

The tumor may appear as a spot or as a smooth, pink mass with a rough surface. Sometimes basal cell carcinomas lift the epidermis, protruding it under the surface of the skin in the form of a cone. The surface may also be rough with red flecks. The tumor has a reddish color. 3

Basalioma is diagnosed using a biopsy, in which the doctor excises a small piece from the tumor for histological examination. Next, after examining the tumor and its location on the skin, the entire tumor along with surrounding tissues is surgically removed. The operation is used only for large basal cell carcinomas. For small basal cell carcinomas, lasers and chemicals are used. 5

**The prognosis for basal cell carcinoma is favorable**; in young people with localized forms, the tumor is curable in 80% of cases using medications (tumor removal is not required). In advanced stages, the prognosis is worse. Cancer can spread beyond the skin into surrounding tissue. It is also possible for basal cell carcinoma to spread to nearby organs. This can lead to serious consequences, such as disruption of organs and systems, as well as an increased risk of developing cancer. 4

Diagnosing basal cell carcinoma at an early stage can help improve the prognosis of treatment. However, if a patient presents too late for effective treatment, their prognosis may decrease. The patient will be offered chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgical removal of the basal cell carcinoma. The choice of method depends on the location, size of the tumor, the general condition of the patient and other factors.