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