Overview of skin cancer

Related Diseases & Conditions

• Basal cell carcinoma

  Summary

  The most common malignancy of the skin in fair-skinned adults in the US, Australia, and Europe.[5] It typically presents as pearly papules and/or plaques; nonhealing scabs; small crusts and nonhealing wounds; plaques, nodules, and tumors with rolled borders; or papules with associated telangiectasias.[6] [7]Image Strong risk factors include UV radiation, sun exposure, x-ray exposure, arsenic exposure, xeroderma pegmentosum, nevoid basal cell carcinoma (Gorlin-Goltz) syndrome, and history of transplantation. Metastases and advanced lesions are uncommon.
• Squamous cell carcinoma

  Summary

  Ranges from in situ tumors (Bowen disease) to invasive tumors and metastatic disease. Patients commonly present with a new or englarging lesion that they are concerned about, which may be tender or itchy, or a nonhealing wound originally caused by some trauma. In situ tumors are typically thin, flesh-colored to erythematous, scaly plaques, while invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) may present as an exophytic tumor or ulcer.Image Tumors may be friable and bleed easily and are located mostly on sun-exposed areas of skin, such as the head and neck (84%) and extensor upper extremities (13%).[8] Cumulative UV exposure and immunosuppression are major risk factors.
• Melanoma

  Summary

  A malignant tumor arising from pigment-producing melanocytes found in the skin, eye, and central nervous system. Several variants exist. Typically presents as a deeply pigmented skin lesion that is new or changing in size, shape, or color.[9] [10]Image Unlike basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma is most common at body sites that have received intense, intermittent sun/UV exposure.[11] Lesions are more common on the trunk in men and on the legs and feet in women.[12] Tanning beds and sun lamps have been positively correlated with melanoma.[13] The likelihood of metastatic disease as a complication is high, and in young adults melanoma is a common cause of cancer-related death.[14]
• Kaposi sarcoma

  Summary

  A low-grade vasoformative neoplasm associated with human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8, also known as Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus [KSHV]) infection.[15] Lesions frequently involve mucocutaneous sites, but may become more extensive to involve the lymph nodes and visceral organs. Skin lesions evolve from an early patch, to a plaque, and later to ulcerating tumor nodules. ImageThere are four main subtypes: classic (sporadic); endemic (observed in sub-Saharan Africa); epidemic (AIDS-related); iatrogenic (transplant-related). Among people who are HIV positive, early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is likely to be the most effective measure for the prevention of Kaposi sarcoma.[16]
• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

  Summary

  Heterogeneous group of uncommon disorders characterized by clonal accumulation of T lymphocytes primarily or exclusively in the skin. Mycosis fungoides and its leukemic variant, Sézary syndrome, are the most common subtypes.[17] Establishing a diagnosis is often difficult, as the disease can manifest in a number of different ways, including flat patches, raised plaques, large tumors, and/or marked erythroderma (intense and widespread reddening of the skin).Image Diagnosis is based on clinical findings, skin biopsy (specimens should be sent for histology, immunophenotyping, and molecular studies), and laboratory blood tests, and usually requires specialist expertise.[17] [18]
• Actinic keratosis

  Summary

  Lesions are skin-colored, yellowish, or erythematous, ill-defined, irregularly shaped, small, scaly macules or plaques localized in sun-exposed areas of the body (e.g., forehead, lower lip, dorsum of the hands, forearms, bald areas of the scalp, and ears).Image Typically, they occur in middle-aged or older men with light-colored skin and a history of chronic sun exposure. It has the potential to progress into an invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The risk of progression to SCC has been calculated to be between 0.025% and 16% per year.[19] [20] Although diagnosed clinically, a biopsy may help to rule out SCC.
• Sunburn

  Summary

  Sunburn is an acute inflammatory reaction of the skin induced by overexposure to UV radiation. Skin findings include erythema and edema, with or without vesiculation, followed by desquamation. Symptoms include pain and/or pruritus. Acute sunburn is a self-limited condition and typically requires only supportive care. Primary prevention via sun avoidance, physical protection, and the appropriate use of sunscreen is key to managing the condition, as cellular damage caused by UV radiation is irreversible and may with time increase the risk of skin cancer.