Approach to skin malignancies in COVID-19 pandemic days

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic emerged as a condition that changed our entire life and led us to develop new perspectives on diseases. Cancers are generally additional risk factors for COVID-19, and this has implications also for skin cancer patients. Those patients require special attention, due to situations such as an increased risk of infection as a result of visiting the hospital for treatment. It is imperative that the diagnosis and treatment of patients who have a cancer that progresses rapidly, such as malignant melanoma, high-risk squamous cell carcinoma and a high risk of metastasis, are delayed. Due to the relatively long-lasting nature of basal cell carcinoma and, as almost no metastasis would be expected, its treatment may be postponed, except for those that occur in areas such as the eyes and mouth. Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers is a process that requires many procedures. Throughout this process, physicians should take appropriate precautions that are sufficient to protect both the patient and themselves in the best way without leading to any delay in the procedures.