Basal cell carcinoma of the skin (basal cell carcinoma) is a common malignant skin disease among people aged 50 years and older, with a frequent localization on the face, temporal and parotid regions, scalp and neck. Taking into account such localization of the process in the treatment of the disease it is required to achieve not only a radical removal of the formation but also a cosmetic effect. Based on the fact that this tumor is characterized by local destructive growth and rare metastasis, in addition to surgical excision of the formation, laser ablation, thermal electrocoagulation and cryodestruction are used.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effectiveness of cold plasma in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

With the advent of a new method of influencing living cells — cold atmospheric plasma (Cold Atmospheric Plasma, CAP), studies have been carried out that have shown the possibility of its use in oncology. Cold atmospheric plasma induces physical and chemical changes on the biological surface, thereby causing apoptosis of cancer cells that are more sensitive to its effects without damaging healthy cells. Such a targeted affect leads to a decrease in the size of the tumor and its complete regression.

RESULTS

A clinical case of the successful use of CAP in the treatment of nodular basal cell carcinoma localized on the skin of the upper lip in a 58-year-old patient is presented. After 8 sessions of indirect exposure to cold plasma, there were no clinical signs of basal cell carcinoma and a stable remission for the next 6 months.

CONCLUSION

The use of modern technologies for biophysical effects on skin formations with a low proliferative potential, such as basal cell carcinoma, is effective and safe. Further clinical studies are required to develop a protocol for exposure to CAP for small skin lesions.