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Dermatology finals > Skin cancer > Flashcards

Skin cancer Flashcards

1
Q

What is the most common skin cancer?

A

Basal cell carcinoma

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2
Q

List the 3 types of skin cancer

A

Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Melanoma

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3
Q

List the risk factors of basal cell carcinoma

A 
Increased age
Male
Sunburn in childhood
Skin type 1 
UV exposure 
Genetic predisposition
Previous family history of skin cancer
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4
Q

Describe the presentation of basal cell carcinoma

A

Various morphological types - nodular (most common), sclerosing (plaque), cystic, Morphoeic (sclerosing), keratotic and pigmented

Nodular BCC is a small skin coloured papule or nodule with surface telangiectasia and a pearly rolled edge, the lesion may have a necrotic or ulcerated centre (rodent ulcer)

Most common on head and neck

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5
Q

What is basal cell carcinoma?

A

A slow growing, locally invasive malignant tumour of the epidermal keratinocytes

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6
Q

How is basal cell carcinoma treated?

A

Surgical excision - allows histological examination of the tumour and margins

Mohs micrographic surgery - excision of the lesion and borders progressively until specimens are microscopically free of tumour - for high risk, recurrent tumours

Radiotherapy - for when surgery is not appropriate

Cryotherapy, curettage and cautery, topical photodynamic therapy and topical treatment

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7
Q

List some complications of basal cell carcinoma

A

Local tissue invasion and destruction

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8
Q

Describe the prognosis of BCC

A

Depends on the tumour size, site, type and growth pattern/histology subtype, failure of previous treatment/recurrence and immunosuppression

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9
Q

What is a squamous cell carcinoma

A

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

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10
Q

What are the risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma

A

Excessive UV exposure
Pre-malignant skin conditions - actinic keratosis
Chronic inflammation - leg ulcers, wound scars
Immunosuppression
Genetics

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11
Q

How does a squamous cell carcinoma present?

A

Keratotic (scaly, crusted lesion)

Ill defined nodule which may ulcerate

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12
Q

Describe the management of squamous cell carcinoma

A

Surgical excision
Mohs micrographic surgery for ill defined and large recurrent tumours
Radiotherapy

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13
Q

Describe the prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma

A

Depends on tumour size, site, histological pattern, depth of invasion, perineural involvement and immunosuppression

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14
Q

What is malignant melanoma

A

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

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15
Q

List some risk factors of malignant melanoma

A

Excessive UV exposure
Skin type 1 - always burns, never tans
History of multiple moles/atypical moles
Family history or past medical history of melanoma

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16
Q

Describe how melanomas present

A

ABCDE symptoms

Asymmetrical shape
Border irregularity
Colour irregularity 
Diameter >6mm 
Evolution of the lesion (change in size/shape) 
Symptoms - bleeding and itching

More common on the legs of women and trunk in men

17
Q

List the different types of melanoma

A

Superficial spreading melanoma
Nodular melanoma
Lentigo maligna melanoma
Acral lentiginous melanoma

18
Q

Describe superficial spreading melanoma

A

Common on the lower limbs in young and middle aged adults

Related to high intensity intermittent sun exposure

19
Q

Describe nodular melanoma

A

Common on the trunk in young and middle aged adults

Related to high intensity intermittent sun exposure

20
Q

Describe lentigo maligna melanoma

A

Common on the face, in elderly population, related to long term cumulative UV exposure

21
Q

Describe acral lentiginous melanoma

A

Common on the palms, soles and nail bed in elderly population
No clear relationship with UV exposure

22
Q

Describe the management of melanoma

A

Surgical excision
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy for metastatic disease

23
Q

Describe the prognosis of melanoma

A

5 year survival rates based on TNM staging
Stage 1 - 90%
Stage 4 -20-30%

24
Q

What scoring system is used to predict the chance of recurrence of melanoma

A

Breslow’s thickness
<0.76mm - low risk
0.76-1.5mm - medium risk
>1.5mm - high risk

Dermatology finals (8 decks)

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