Skin Color Pigments and Skin Cancer

Melanin

produced through epidermis, differences in skin color due to amount of melanin produced, exposure to UV radiation increases production of melanin, 2 primary forms

Eumelanin

most common form of melanin, black and brown

pheomelanin

less common melanin form, red color

Carotene

accumulates in lipids produced in the stratum corneum and fat cells of the dermis/hypodermis

gives skin yellowish tint

Hemoglobin

blood flowing through the dermis of the skin giving a pinkish tint

Erythema

temporary change when blood flow increases to the skin, red color intensifies (blushing, anger, inflammation)

Cyanosis

temporary blue color due to lack of oxygen

Shock

temporary lack of blood to the surface makes skin appear pale

Jaundice

temporary yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by liver disorder

Skin cancer

most common form of cancer, caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation

most skin cancers develop on exposed parts of the body (hands, face and neck)

Method of diagnosis

ABCDE method - 1 or more characteristics could be fatal

A

asymmetry; mole half doesn’t look like other half

B

border; uneven not clean border

C

color; not an uniform color

D

diameter; larger than 6mm, or pencil eraser

E

evolving; if it changes over time

Basal Cell Carcinoma

most common form (78%) of skin cancer, occur in the epidermis; rarely spreads to other organs

Squamous cell carcinoma

less common (20%) form of skin cancer, occur in the epidermis, if left untreated can invade dermis, spread and cause death

Malignant melanoma

rarest form of skin cancer (2%), arise from melanocytes, usually in a pre-existing moles, spread is common and unless diagnosed/treated early is usually fatal