Skin Cancer Flashcards
What are the three common types of skin cancer
Basal cell carcinoma
squamous cell carcinoma
malignant melanoma
what is the pre cancerous lesion called
actinic keratosis
what does this lesion help with
early detection
what is prevalence proportional to
age (time spent in the sun)
and inversely proportional to what
melatonin content
what is melatonin
pigment produced by melanocytes
Etiology
excessive expose to sunlight (UV damage)
the damage is cumulative
what are moles called
nevus/nevi
can they become malignant
yes
Basal Cell Carcinoma origin
basal cells of the epidermis
where are these lesions found
head, neck, face
what do the lesions look like
dome shaped, uniform
diagnosis
biopsy
Squamous cell carcinoma origin
keratinocytes
exposed areas
head, neck face
faster progression than basal cell carcinoma?
yes
lessons look like…
there is a variable appearance with the lesions
where will this skin cancer infiltrate
other structures
- blood vessels
- hair follicles
- sub q layer
how does metastasis occur with squamous cell carcinoma
via regional lymph nodes and blood vessels
where does malignant melanoma originate
melanocytes
why is this the worst form of skin cancer
rapidly progresses
does it metastasize easily
yes
lesions are found where
exposed and non exposed areas
what should you do if you note a lesion
be suspicious and note the changes
What should you document
A- asymmetry B- border C- colour D- diameter E- elevation
where will this met to
brain, bone, liver
Treatment
detect early
surgery: excision
