Skin Assessment - Malignancy

Question 1

Which type of skin cancer commonly presents as a bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and recurs?

Answer 1

Basal cell carcinoma

Question 2

What is the most common form of basal cell carcinoma and how does it appear morphologically?

Answer 2

Nodular type: irregular growth pattern; oval mass; multilobular; center frequently ulcerates and bleeds

Question 3

What are some of the more common sites of involvement for cutaneous SCC?

Answer 3

• Common on the scalp
• Backs of the hands
• Superior surface of the pinna

*Remember BCC is mostly found on head/neck; nose = most common*

Question 4

Cutaneous SCC arising from actinic keratosis most commonly presents as what type of lesion?

Answer 4

Red, inflamed, and scaly lesion

Question 5

What is the most dangerous cutaneous malignancy?

Answer 5

Melanoma

Question 6

How is diagnosis of melanoma made and what is the most important prognostic factor?

Answer 6

Biopsy; depth of invasion (thickness) = most important

Question 7

Vitiligo may be associated with what skin malignancy?

Answer 7

Melanoma