skin cancer Flashcards
3 types of skin cancer
basal cell carcinoma
squamous cell carcinoma
melanoma
what does basal cell carcinoma look like
pearly/waxy bump or flat brown lesion
most easily treated form and the LEAST likely to spread
squamous cell carcinoma what does it appear like
firm red pimple/nodule or scaly patch
treated if detected - more likely to spread the BCC
appearance of a melanoma
existing mole that bleeds, itchies or changes shape and colour - usually large and brown patch or smaller spot with black red or white speckles
needs to be diagnosed early and spreads easily
what type of skin cancer is the most spreadable and needs to be diagnosed early
melanoma
important risk factors for skin cancer
UV exposure ++ Family history of skin cancer Fair hair/complexion, lots of freckles Previous skin Cancer or other Cancer Immunosuppression – medications Lots of moles (benign melanocytic naevi) >50 moles = high risk
what do melanomas look like
Asymmetry Border Colour Diameter Evolving
asymmetrical border are not even multiple colours larger than 1/4 inch changing in and evolving
what is the most common skin malignancy
BCC
risk factors for BCC
for cell type
UV and sun exposure damaging DNA in keratinocytes
potentially come from stratum basale - cells become lodged in the epidermis
do BCC metastisize?
no but then can become locally invasive
sings and symptoms fo a BCC
Small crusts and non-healing wounds
Non-healing scabs
PEARLY ( shiny- reflection)
papules/plaques – “rodent ulcer”
TELANGIECTASIAS- Telangiectasias (commonly known as “spider veins”) are dilated or broken blood vessels located near the surface of the skin or mucous membranes.
ROLLED BORDERS
how do you diagnose a BCC
shave or punch biopsy
2week referral
treatment for BCC
topical fluroruracil
surgery if larger than 4mm margins
what does seborrheic keratoses present as
grandad
basal cell papilloma
senile wart
brown
barnacle
the most second common non-melonaoma skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma is it the most common skin cancer for those on immunsuppresion
yes
risk factors for SCC
sun
radiation - burns , red ink tattoo , HPV
what cell is affected in SCC
keratinocytes
sings and symptoms fo SCC
Wound originally caused by trauma, not healing
Bleeding
Itching
Crusting
Erythematous papules or plaques
– tend to be redder!
diagnosis for SCC
biopsy and 2 week referral
treatment for SCC
surgical
radiotherpay or chemo
what is the least common skin cancer but is the deadliest
melanoma - genetic and uv
what cells cause melanomas
melanocytes - tend to metastasize
signs and symptoms of melanomas
ABCDE criteria
Altered pigmented lesion (ABCDE criteria)
Person with >50 moles, one is odd one out
RF Fam Hx Sun exposure + Pale skin (Fitzpatrick skin type 1-2), freckles, hair colour Immunosuppressed PMH melanoma/Ca
types of melanoma
superficial spreading melanoma - most common
nodular melanoma - 2nd most common - lack the c criteria as same colour as skin not pigmented
treatment for melanoma follows steps
remove tumour and prevent recurrence
staging
remove any affect LNs
immunotherapy
