Skin cancer Flashcards
What are the two forms of non-melanoma skin cancer?
• Basal cell cancer & Squamous cell cancer
What are some risk factors for non-melanoma skin cancer?
- UV radiation
- Photochemotherapy
- Chemical carcinogens
- X-ray and thermal radiation
- Human papilloma virus
- Familial cancer syndromes
- Immunosuppression
Describe morphoeic BCC
Morphoeic – infiltrative group of BCC; flat whitish plaque with pearly edge with central regression (pit)
Describe basal cell carcinoma
• Slow growing superficial lesions • Locally invasive • Rarely metastasise • Nodular – Pearly rolled edge – Telangiectasia – Central ulceration – Arborising vessels on dermoscopy
How is BCC treated?
Excision is gold standard – Ellipse, with rim of unaffected skin – Curative if fully excised – Will scar – Curettage in some circumstances
Describe Mohs surgery?
Microscopically controlled surgery used to treat common types of skin cancer – forms hole like wound which can be stitched up
When is Mohs surgery indicated?
– Site – Size – Subtype – Poor clinical margin definition – Recurrent – Perineural or perivascular involvement
When is Vismodegib indicated?
– Locally advanced BCC not suitable for surgery or radiotherapy
– Metastatic BCC
What is indicated if locally advanced BCC is not suitable for treatment or in metastatic BCC?
Vismodegib
What is Vismodegib?
- Selectively inhibits abnormal signalling in the Hedgehog pathway (molecular driver in BCC)
- Can shrink tumour and heal visible lesions in some
- Median progression free survival 9.5 months
What are the side effects of vismodegib?
• Side Effects
– Hair loss, weight loss, altered taste
– Muscle spasms, nausea, fatigue
From what do squamous cell carcinomas derive from?
- Derived from keratinising squamous cells
* Usually on sun exposed sites
Describe squamous cell carcinomas
- Derived from keratinising squamous cells
- Usually on sun exposed sites
- Can metastasise
- Faster growing, tender, scaly/crusted or fleshy growths
- Can ulcerate
Which non-melanoma skin cancer is associated with ulceration?
SCC
Which non-melanoma skin cancer is usually faster growing?
SCC
How is SCC treated?
• Excision +/- Radiotherapy
When is SCC high risk?
– Immunosuppressed – >20mm diameter – >4mm depth – Ear, nose, lip, eyelid – Perineural invasion – Poorly differentiated
Name a variant of SCC
Keratoacanthoma
Describe Keratoacanthoma
- Varient of squamous cell carcinoma
- Erupts from hair follicles in sun damaged skin
- Grows rapidly, may shrink after a few months and resolve
- Surgical excision
How is Keratocanthoma treated?
Surgical excision
What are some risk factors for melanoma?
UV Radiation
Genetic susceptibility- fair skin, red hair, blue eyes and tendency to burn easily
Familial melanoma and melanoma susceptibility genes
Describe the ABCDE approach in identifying melanoma
- Asymmetry – melanomas are asymmetrical
- Border – edges are uneven, crusty or notched in melanoma
- Colour – variety of colours, especially white or blue, are bad signs
- Diameter – melanomas are usually wider in diameter than a pencil eraser
- Evolution – danger if it has changed in size, colour or begins to bleed/scab
Describe the 7 point checklist in melanoma detection
Major features o Change in size/new lesion o Change in shape o Change in colour Minor features o Diameter more than 5 mm o Inflammation o Oozing or bleeding o Mild itch or altered sensation
Suspect melanoma if 1 or more major sign or if 3 or 4 minor signs alone
What 2 systems are used for melanoma identification
ABCDE approach
7 point checklist