DERM: Basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma Flashcards
what is a basal cell carcinoma?
Cancer of the epidermal keratinocytes
Aka ‘rodent ulcer’
what is a Cancer of the epidermal keratinocytes called?
basal cell carcinoma
what DNA mutation may occur that can result in a basal cell carcinoma?
May involve DNA mutations in the PTCH tumour suppressor gene
who does a basal cell carcinoma effect?
Usually occurs in older people (>60yo)
M>F
what are some risk factors for a basal cell carcinoma?
- UV radiation
- exposure to other radiation
- type 1 skin (always burns, never tans)
- history of childhood sunburn
- history of skin cancer, skin injury or skin disease
- increasing age
- male sex
- immunosuppression
- genetics (e.g. gorlin syndrome)
where are basal cell carcinomas commonly found?
~80% are found on the head and neck (others are usually found on the trunk and lower limbs)
what are some clinical features of basal cell carcinomas?
- Slow growing
- May spread locally (especially around the eye, nose or ear) and invade periorbital tissues, cartilage and bone
- May bleed or ulcerate
- Rarely metastasises
- Most common malignant skin cancer
what is the most common malignant skin cancer?
basal cell carcinomas
what is a complication of basal cell carcinomas?
Local tissue invasion and subsequent damage to the area and structures within it
what is the treatment of basal cell carcinomas?
- Surgery, Excision (gold standard)
- radiotherapy
- cryotherapy (used for superficial BCCs)
- Photodynamic therapy
- Topical therapy
what is a squamous cell carcinoma?
Cancer of the epidermal keratinocytes (or its appendages)
Caused by various somatic gene mutations
second most common skin cancer after BCC
which type of people does squamous cell carcinoma commonly affect?
Usually occurs in people >40yo
M>F
what are some risk factors of a squamous cell carcinoma?
- Excessive UV exposure
- Smoking
- History of skin cancer
- Pre-malignant skin disease (e.g. actinic keratoses)
- Chronic inflammation/wounds (e.g. leg ulcer)
- Immunosuppression
- Human papilloma virus (HPV)
- Genetics
what are some clinical features of a squamous cell carcinoma?
- Keratotic nodule
- Ill-defined borders
- May ulcerate
- May crust, bleed, itch and be painful
- Usually found in sun-exposed sites (may be smoking-related if on the lip)
- Locally invasive
- May metastasise
what is the most common squamous cell carcinoma precursor?
Actinic keratoses
is a rough, scaly patch on your skin that develops from years of exposure to the sun. It’s most commonly found on your face, lips, ears, back of your hands, forearms, scalp or neck.
(Bowen’s disease is also a precursor)
