Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer

Most skin tumors are benign (not cancerous) and do not spread (metastasize

Skin cancer Risk factors

Overexposure to UV radiation and Frequent irritation of skin

Basal cell carcinoma

the most common skin cancer, arising from stratum basale cells. It is highly treatable with surgical excision.

Squamous cell carcinoma

the second most common skin cancer, involves keratinocytes and can metastasize. It typically appears as a scaly reddened papule on the scalp, ears, lower lip, or hands.

Melanoma

the most dangerous skin cancer, is treated with wide surgical excision and immunotherapy.

ABCD rule

A: asymmetry

B: border irregularity

C: color

D: diameter

asymmetry

the two sides of the pigmented area do not match

border irregularity

exhibits indentations

color

contains several colors (black, brown, tan, sometimes red or blue)

diameter

larger than 6 mm (size of pencil eraser)