HLTH 2501: skin tumors Flashcards
keratoses
are benign lesions that are usually associated with aging and skin damage
2 types of keratoses
seborrheic and actinic
seborrheic keratoses
result from proliferation of basal cells, leading to an oval elevation that may be smooth or rough and is often dark in colour
where are seborrheic keratoses usually found?
the face or upper trunk
actinic keratoses
occur on skin exposed to UV radiation and commonly arise in fair-skinned peple
what do actinic keratoses appear as?
pigmented, scaly patch
what type of keratose may develop into squamous cell carcinoma?
actinic; this may remain in situ or spread to the intraepidermal layers
guidelines to reducing skin cancers
reduce sun exposure, covering up with clothing, remaining in shade, applying sunblock > 15 that is broad-spectrum, and protecting infants from sun damage
what UV rays may cause skin cancer?
A and B
warning signs of skin cancer
a sore that does not heal, a change in shape, color, or texture, new moles, and one that bleeds, oozes, or itches
squamous cell carcinoma
is a painless, malignant tumor of the epidermis due to sun exposure
where are squamous cell carcinomas usually found?
the face and neck
where might smokes develop squamous cell carcinoma?
the lip region and mucous membranes of the mouth
scar tissue squamous cell carcinoma
scar tissue may develop into cancer, common in African Americans
what may be a factor leading to invasive squamous cell carcinoma?
leukoplakia
signs of squamous cell carcinoma
development of a scaly, slightly elevated, reddish lesion; irregular border; and central ulceration
where may squamous cell carcinoma spread to?
the lymph nodes
malignant melanoma
is a more serious skin cancer and develops from melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis
what does the development of malignant melanoma depend on?
exposure to UV, genetic factors, and hormonal influences
another word for mole
nevus
what is a mole?
a collection of melanocytes
what are suspected signs of melanoma
area of the mole has increased, border is irregular, colour of the mole has changed, and diameter of the mole is increased
where do malignant melanoma develop?
often on the chest or back in men and on the legs in women
where does malignant melanoma metastasize to?
the lymph nodes and other organs
treatment for malignant melanoma
often are removed surgically, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy
kaposi sacroma
is associated with HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
who is kaposi often found in?
HIV patients, men from Eastern Europe or the mediterranean, and both genders from Africa
what does kaposi sarcoma affect?
the skin and the viscera
what causes kaposi sarcoma?
herpesvirus 8
where do the malignant cells arise from in kaposi sarcoma?
the endothelium in small blood vessels
signs of kaposi sarcoma
multiple skin lesions that are purple and often on the face, scalp, or oral mucosa, along with nonpruritic lesions, non painful macules, lesions that form irregularly shaped macules, and in immunocompromised patients, lesions may develop over the upper body and become painful
treatment for sarcoma kaposi
radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, and biologic therapy
photodynamic therapy
is used for keratoses and skin cancer and involves a light-sensitive drug in a cream that is absorbed by the tumor cells, and a laser then destroys the cells containing the chemical
what is squamous cell carcinoma similar to?
basal cell carcinoma
what colour are malignant melanomas?
usually brown or black but may appear pink, tan, or white
types of skin tumors
keratoses, squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and kaposi sarcoma
