SKIN CANCER
Jan 19, 2016
SKIN CANCER
Neoplasms or tumors can be classified as benign or malignant
Benign = noncancerousMalignant = cancerous
Examples of Benign or
Noncancerous Tumors
Dermatofibroma – fibrous tumor; painless, round, firm, red
Hemangioma – benign tumor of dilated blood vessels
Keloid – scar formed after surgery or injury; raised, thickened area
There are many different types of skin cancer such as: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma
Skin cancer usually develops from a mole or nevus (a growth or mark on the skin)
However that mole or mark changes in color, size, shape, or texture
Bleeding or itching of a mole can also indicate skin cancer
Causes of Skin Cancer
Exposure to sunProlonged use of tanning beds
Irritating chemicalsradiation
Treatment of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is usually treated by surgical removal and/or radiation
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Tumor of the basal cell layer of the epidermis
Common type of skin cancer that rarely metastasizes (spreads)
Usually caused by sun exposure
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Epidermal cancer that may go into deeper tissue but does not generally metastasize
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Malignant Melanoma
Dangerous form of skin cancer caused by an overgrowth of melanin. May metastasize.
Malignant Melanoma
Kaposi’s Sarcoma
Form of skin cancer frequently seen in AIDS patients.
Brownish purple pustules that spread from the skin and metastasize to internal organs
Named for Moritz Kaposi – Austrian dermatologist