Skin Cancer Flashcards
What are the 3 main types of skin cancers and what layer of the skin do they occur in?
Squamous cell carcinoma, Basal cell carcinoma, Malignant Melanoma. All occur in the epidermis.
What are the different types of biopsies used for investigating skin cancer?
Incisional, excisional, punch, and shave
Name the different ways a BCC can present?
Nodular, superficial, morpheoic, pigmented, and ulcerated
What are the properties of a nodular BCC?
- Slow growing pearly nodule that may ulcerate
- Pink hue
- Elevated shiny border
- May be cystic
Where do nodular BCCs often arise?
The face (forehead, temples, nose, upper lip)
What are the properties of a superficial BCC?
- Thin erythematous plaques with a blue tinge
- Dry or scaly
- Eroded or crusted
- Shiny rim
- Often asymptomatic
Where do superficial BCCs most often arise?
Trunk and limbs
What are the properties of a morphoeic BCC?
- Scar-like plaque or dent
- Often deeply invasive
Where do morphoeic BCCs most often arise?
Mid-face
What are the properties of a SCC?
- Irregular, red papule or plaque
- Scaly, warty, crusted surface
- May become nodular
Where do SCCs most often arise?
Face, ears, neck, lips, dorsum of hands
Which type of non-melanoma (BCC and SCC) is the most common?
BCC (~80%)
What is Bower’s disease?
Early form of SCC. Spreads along the skin surface rather than into the skin. Very slow growing; only a risk if neglected.
What are the subtypes of Malignant Melonoma?
Superficial spreading
Nodular
Acral lentiginous
Lentigo maligna melanoma
What are the 5 signs of malignant melanoma?
Asymmetrical
Borders (uneven)
Colours (variety)
Diameter (larger than 6mm)
Evolving
