Photocarcinogenesis Flashcards
Bullous impetigo
blistering at site of infection
Caused by staphylococcus toxin A
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
Caused by staphylococcus toxin B
Most common in children
Low mortality rates
Organism usually causing cellulitis
Beta haemolytic strep
Another name for basal cell papilloma
Seborrhoeic wart
Appear as firm, elevated pigmented nodules which may feel like a button in the skin
They are often found on the legs and commoner in females
There may be a history of trauma or insect bite
Dermatofibroma
Keratoacanthoma
Rapidly growing epidermal tumours which develop central necrosis and ulceration
They occur on sun exposed sites and can grow to 2-3cm across
Whilst they may resolve spontaneously, best to surgicaly remove as they can mimic squamous cell carcinoma
Where does Bowen’s disease most commonly develop?
Lower womens legs
Where would you usually develop a pilar cyst?
The scalp
Key characteristics or “hallmarks” of cancer
- Insensitivity to growth signals
- Insensitivity to anti-growth signals
- Evade death (apoptosis)
- Limitless potential to divide
- Angiogenesis
- Invasion and metastasis
Basal cell carcinoma and exposure
Intermittent exposure
Squamous cell carcinoma and exposure
Chronic exposure
Melanoma and exposure
Intermittent exposure
Lattitude and skin cancer
Incidence increases closer to equator
Skin colour and eye colour and cancer
Red/fair haired individuals with blue eyes and freckling
Where would patients with Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) develop skin cancer?
Skin exposed areas
UVC wavelength
200-280 nm
UVB wavelength
280-315 nm
UVA wavelength
315-400 nm
Visible light spectrum
400-700 nm
UV signature mutation
Cytosine to thymine (at dipyrimidine sites)