Dermatology: Skin cancer Flashcards
Which is the commonest skin cancer
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
What does nodular basal cell carcinoma look like?
Pearly nodule with rolled telangiectatic edge on the face or sun exposed site ± central ulcer
Does BCC metastasise?
Very rare
What happens if BCC is left untreated?
Slowly causes local destruction
How does superficial BCC look?
Red scaly plaques with raised smooth edge, often on the trunk or shoulders
What causes BCC?
1) UV exposure
2) Immunosuppression
What is the first line treatment for BCC?
Excision
What are other options for treating BCC?
Cryotherapy, curettage, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy
What can be used to treat superficial BCC lesions at low-risk sites?
Topical imiquimod or fluorouracil
What is the second most common skin cancer?
Squamous cell cancer (SCC)
How does squamous cell skin cancer present?
Persistently ulcerated or crusted firm, irregular lesion often on sun-exposed sites
What are the risks if squamous cell skin cancer is left untreated?
It is locally invasive and may metastasise
What factors increase the risk of squamous cell cancer metastasising?
1) Site = lip, ear or non-sun exposed site
2) > 2cm diameter
3) Poor histological differentiation
4) Immunosuppression
What is squamous cell cancer related to?
Chronic inflammation e.g. leg ulcers, HPV (e.g. genital area or periungual)
How do you treat squamous cell cancer?
Local complete excision
What are two types of premalignant skin tumours that can progress to squamous cell cancer?
1) Actinic (solar) keratoses
2) Bowen disease
How does actinic (solar) keratoses present?
Premalignant crumbly, yellow-white scaly crusts on sun-exposed skin from dysplastic intraepidermal proliferation of atypical keratinocytes
What is the prevalence of actinic (solar) keratoses in the UK?
23% in > 60 years
What is the prognosis of actinic (solar) keratoses?
1) May regress or recur
2) Progression to squamous cell cancer risk is < 1% per year (risk increases over time and with larger numbers of lesions)
How does Bowen disease present?
Well-defined, slowly-enlarging red scaly plaque with a flat edge (asymptomatic)