Dermatologist João Ramos has detailed how cancer treatments cause significant skin changes and when patients should seek specialized medical help.
These insights arrive as Brazil manages a high volume of skin malignancies, highlighting the necessity of integrating dermatological care into broader oncology protocols to manage side effects.
Non-melanoma skin cancer represents about 30% [1] of all malignant tumors registered in Brazil. Because of this prevalence, dermatological surgeries have gained prominence in the national treatment landscape. These procedures are often used to remove lesions before subsequent therapies begin.
Treatment protocols vary based on the patient's specific condition. In one high-profile case, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva began treatment for skin cancer in May 2026. Following the removal of a lesion, the president was scheduled to undergo 14 [2] radiotherapy sessions.
Radiotherapy and other cancer therapies can trigger adverse skin reactions. Ramos said that patients must monitor their skin for small changes that may indicate the need for medical intervention. Such interventions ensure that the skin remains a functional barrier while the patient undergoes aggressive treatment.
Specialists emphasize that the coordination between oncologists and dermatologists is critical. This multidisciplinary approach helps in managing the cutaneous toxicity often associated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, a process that can improve a patient's overall quality of life during recovery.
“Non-melanoma skin cancer represents about 30% of all malignant tumors registered in Brazil.”
The integration of dermatological expertise into cancer care reflects a shift toward holistic patient management. By addressing the skin's reaction to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, medical providers can reduce complications that might otherwise interrupt the primary cancer treatment schedule.
