Skin Cancer

Question 1

A slow-growing, locally invasive malignant tumour of the epidermal keratinocytes normally in older individuals, only rarely metastasises

Answer 1

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Question 2

BCC types

Answer 2

Nodular (most common)
Superficial (plaque-like)
Cystic
Keratotic
Pigmented

Question 3

A skin-coloured papule or nodule with surface telangiectasia, and a pearly rolled edge; the lesion may have a necrotic or ulcerated centre

Answer 3

Basal Cell Carcinoma (AKA ‘rodent ulcer’ if ulcerated centre)

Question 4

A locally invasive malignant tumour of the epidermal keratinocytes or its appendages, which has the potential to metastasise

Answer 4

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Question 5

Keratotic (e.g. scaly, crusty), ill-defined nodule which may ulcerate. Raised, everted edges

Answer 5

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Question 6

An invasive malignant tumour of the epidermal melanocytes, which has the potential to metastasise

Answer 6

Malignant Melanoma

Question 7

ABCDE Symptoms

Answer 7

Of malignant melanoma:

Asymmetrical shape*
Border irregularity
Colour irregularity*
Diameter > 6mm
Evolution of lesion (e.g. change in size and/or shape)*
Symptoms (e.g. bleeding, itching)

Question 8

Flat, irregular, pigmented lesion. It occurs most often in younger females on the leg. The tumour is macular with an irregular edge, and may itch or bleed.

Answer 8

Superficial spreading malignant melanoma

Question 9

A thickened, pigmented, irregular lesion (sometimes growing on the edge of the previous one). Common in elderly people on the face, and sun-exposed skin.

Answer 9

Lentigo maligna melanoma

Question 10

Thick, protruding, smooth, sharply defined lesions that grow in a vertical direction and may bleed and ulcerate. They are the most aggressive of all melanomas. Common on the trunk.

Answer 10

Nodular melanoma.

May also not be pigmented (amelanotic) - this is associated with a worse prognosis.

Question 11

Expanding pigmented lesions on the palms, soles and nail beds. This is the most common presentation in African-Caribbean & elderly people.

Answer 11

Acral lentiginous melanoma