Skin Cancer Flashcards
What are the 2 main groups of skin cancers?
Melanoma
Non-melanoma
What are the 2 main non-melanoma skin cancers?
Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Non-melanoma skin cancers arise from which skin cells?
Keratinocytes
Melanoma skin cancers arise from keratinocytes. True/False?
False
Arise from melanocytes
Melanoma is the fastest increasing cancer in Scotland. True/False?
True
Squamous cell carcinoma is more common than basal cell carcinoma. True/False?
False
Melanoma is the most common cancer in 15-24 yr olds. True/False?
True
Melanoma is 2x more common in which sex?
Females
What determines prognosis in melanoma?
Depth of the melanoma
What is the % survival for melanoma lesions less than 1mm over 5 years?
95-100%
Thinner melanomas have better prognosis than thicker ones. True/False?
True
What is the ABCDE approach to diagnosing melanoma?
Asymmetry Borders Colour Diameter Evolution
If a mole is fast-growing and very dark black, it is not worrying. True/False?
False
Basal cell carcinomas are fast-growing. True/False?
False
Slow-growing due to poor blood supply
Are basal cell carcinomas usually painful?
No
Describe the appearance of basal cell carcinoma
Pearly/translucent lumps
Visible blood vessels
Central ulceration
ill defined
What is the most common cause of squamous cell carcinoma?
Sun-damaged skin
Squamous cell carcinoma is fast-growing. True/False?
True
Relatively fast compared to BCC
Both basal and squamous cell carcinomas are likely to metastasise. True/False?
False
Basal cell carcinoma is localised
Describe the appearance of squamous cell carcinoma
Hyperkeratotic lump/ulcer
May be painful/bleed
Red scaling plaques with sharp cut borders
Name 2 precursor lesions that can lead to squamous cell carcinoma
Bowen’s disease
Actinic keratosis
How do actinic keratoses arise?
Sun damage
High risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma
Scaly round brownish, erythematous macule
Common on scalp, face, hands
Describe Bowen’s disease
Erythematous, scaly plaque - very early form of squamous cell that has not yet broken through and invaded the dermis
Carcinoma that is easily treated
common on legs
List risk factors for skin cancer
Sun exposure
Genetics
Immunosuppression
Environmental carcinogens
Describe skin type I
Always burns, never tans
Describe skin type II
Usually burns, can tan