Skin cancer: Difference between revisions
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{{DiseaseDisorder infobox | |
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Name = Skin cancer | |
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ICD10 = {{ICD10|C|43||c|43}}-{{ICD10|C|44||c|43}}<BR>([[ICD-O]] 8010-8720)| |
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ICD9 = {{ICD9|172}}, {{ICD9|173}} | |
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}} |
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'''Skin cancer''' is a [[malignant]] growth on the [[skin]], which can have many causes, including repeated severe [[sunburn]] or long-term exposure to the [[sun]]. Skin cancer generally develops in the [[epidermis]], the outermost layer of skin, so a tumor is usually clearly visible. This makes most skin cancers detectable in the early stages. There are three common types of skin cancer each of which are named after the type of skin cell. |
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==Types== |
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The most common types are [[basal cell carcinoma]] (BCC) and [[squamous cell carcinoma]] (SCC) which may be locally disfiguring but unlikely to spread to other parts of the body. The most dangerous type is [[malignant melanoma]], which can be fatal if not treated early, but forms only a small proportion of all skin cancers. |
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Other types of skin cancer are: |
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* [[Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans]] |
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* [[Merkel cell carcinoma]] |
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* [[Kaposi's sarcoma]] |
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==Prevalence== |
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Skin cancer is an increasingly common condition, in part attributed to increased exposure to [[ultraviolet radiation]]. The increased exposure is mainly due to the recent popularity of [[sun tanning]] ([[Sunlight#Sunbathing|sun bathing]]). Lighter-skinned individuals are more vulnerable. In the [[United States]], about one out of every three new cancers arises from skin. Skin cancers are often curable. Barriers which reduce UV exposure are effective in preventing skin cancers (clothes, hats, creams, lotions). |
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==Prognosis== |
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Minor surface skin cancers are readily treatable by simple [[surgery]], but if the cancer is allowed to grow then it will penetrate through the layers of skin and affect the [[lymphatic system]]. It may also [[metastasize]] and spread to other parts of the body. |
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Skin cancers which are aggressive, recurrent, or located upon 'high risk sites' of the body (central face, scalp, ears, genitalia) may require more advanced surgical approaches such as [[Mohs cancer surgery|Mohs' micrographic surgery]] to achieve high cure rates. |
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== Signs and symptoms == |
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[[Image:Skin2a.gif|thumb|200px]] |
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There are a variety of different skin cancer symptoms. These include [[sore]]s or changes in the [[skin]] that do not heal, [[ulcer]]s in the skin, discoloring in parts of the skin, and changes in existing [[Mole (skin marking)|mole]]s. |
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* ''[[Basal cell]] carcinoma'' usually looks like a raised, smooth, pearly bump on the sun-exposed skin of the [[head]], [[neck]] or [[shoulder]]s. Sometimes small [[blood vessel]]s can be seen within the tumor. Crusting and bleeding in the center of the tumour frequently develops. It is often mistaken for a sore that does not heal. |
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* ''[[Squamous cell]] carcinoma'' is commonly a red, scaling, thickened patch on sun-exposed skin. Ulceration and bleeding may occur. When SCC is not treated, it may develop into a large mass. |
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* Most ''[[melanoma|melanomas]]'' are brown to black looking lesions. Signs that might indicate a malignant melanoma include change in size, shape, color or elevation of a mole. The appearance of a new mole during adulthood, or new pain, itching, ulceration or bleeding of an existing mole should be checked. |
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==Prevention== |
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===Non-melanoma skin cancer=== |
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Non-melanoma skin cancer refers generally to Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. |
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* reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation |
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** changing patterns of outdoor activities, sun exposure avoidance 11 am - 3 pm |
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** wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when outdoors |
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** using efficient sunscreens is sometimes recommended but their effectiveness in protection against skin cancer has not been determined |
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===[[Melanoma]]=== |
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* avoiding sunburns, especially in childhood and adolescence |
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* reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation |
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** changing patterns of outdoor activities, sun exposure avoidance 11 am - 3 pm |
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** wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when outdoors |
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** using sunscreen |
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It is generally accepted that UV exposure is the greatest risk factor in melanoma development but sceptics have noted that there is absolutely no proven data that links moderate sun exposure with the appearance of melanoma. |
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== Pathology == |
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Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant epithelial tumor which originates in epidermis, squamous mucosa or areas of squamous metaplasia. |
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Macroscopically, the tumor is often elevated, [[fungating]], or may be ulcerated with irregular borders. Microscopically, tumor cells destroy the [[basement membrane]] and form sheets or compact masses which invade the subjacent connective tissue (dermis). In well differentiated carcinomas, tumor cells are [[pleomorphic]]/atypical, but resembling normal keratinocytes from prickle layer (large, polygonal, with abundant [[eosinophilic]] (pink) cytoplasm and central nucleus). Their disposal tends to be similar to that of normal epidermis: immature/basal cells at the periphery, becoming more mature to the centre of the tumor masses. Tumor cells transform into [[keratinized]] squamous cells and form round nodules with concentric, laminated layers, called "cell nests" or "epithelial/keratinous pearls". The surrounding stroma is reduced and contains inflammatory infiltrate (lymphocytes). Poorly differentiated squamous carcinomas contain more pleomorphic cells and no [[keratinization]]. [http://www.pathologyatlas.ro/Squamous%20Cell%20Carcinoma.html 1] |
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==See also== |
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[[Mohs surgery]] |
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[[Sun protective clothing]] |
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==References== |
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* American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts and Figures-1999. Atlanta, Ga: American Cancer Society, 1999. |
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==External links== |
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*[http://www.experimentmonkey.com/category/melanoma/ Skin Cancer Experience Documented] |
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*Photos at: [http://www.pathologyatlas.ro/Squamous%20Cell%20Carcinoma.html Atlas of Pathology] |
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*[http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/skincancer.html MedlinePlus: Skincancer] |
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*[http://www.skincancer.org/ SkinCancer.org] |
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*[http://www.rtanswers.org/treatment/disease/skin_cancer.htm RTAnswers] - Answers to Your Radiation Therapy Questions: Skin Cancer |
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*[http://fycs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2006/06/sun-safety-for-babies-and-children.html Sun Safety for Babies and Children ]--University of Florida/IFAS Extension Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences |
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{{Tumors}} |
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[[Category:Dermatology]] |
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[[Category:Types of cancer]] |
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[[bg:Рак на кожата]] |
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[[da:Hudkræft]] |
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[[de:Hautkrebs]] |
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[[es:Cáncer de piel]] |
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[[he:סרטן העור]] |
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[[nl:Huidkanker]] |
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[[no:Hudkreft]] |
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[[fi:Ihosyöpä]] |
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[[sv:Hudcancer]] |
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[[vi:Ung thư da]] |
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