Current principles of surgical and non-surgical methods of skin cancer treatment

Skin cancer is the most frequent malignant neoplasm in Caucasians, presenting a constantly increasing incidence and morbidity. The incidence typically depends on ultraviolet radiation levels, however, the increasing number of cases among immunosuppressed patients is a relatively new clinical phenomenon. Surgical excision remains the gold standard in the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC). The aim of the study is to present the procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical, in the therapy of skin cancers. The concept of "fields of cancerisation", as well as non-surgical chemopreventive methods are considered to be relatively new therapeutic approaches. Molecularly guided treatment strategies are developing and will probably be clinically effective in the management of advanced skin cancers.