Skin lumps

Question 1

Basal cell carcinoma

• Description
• Epidemiology
• Most common areas/ behaviour

Answer 1

Basal cells of epidermis, neoplasm
- Most common cancer

Grows slowly, rare metastasis

• But can be very ulcerating
• Mainly on face/ sun exposed areas

Question 2

Squamous cell carcinoma

• Description
• Epidemiology
• Most common areas/ behaviour

Answer 2

Malignant cancer of keratocytes of epidermis
- The least common

Presents as ulcerating nodule, with everted edges

• Metastasis
• Appears on sun exposed areas: scalp, fac, ears, lower leg.

Question 3

Melanoma

- Risk factors

Answer 3

Fair skin, albinism

Redhead

UV light exposure

Family history

Question 4

Clinical features of melanoma

Answer 4

ABCDE

• Asymmetry
• Border irregularity
• Colour change
• Diameter >6mm
• Elevation

Question 5

Management of melanoma

Answer 5

Biopsy for histology

• 2mm margin
• Includes subcut fat

Curative treatment= wide, local excision

• 1cm= <1mm think
• 2cm= 1-2 mm
• 2-3cm= >2cm thick

Palliative= chemo and radiotherapy