CancerInvasive cellular neoplasm that has the capability of spreading throughout the body or body parts; uncontrolled cell growth.

Skin Cancer

• Overexposure to sunlight (including tanning) is the main cause, especially when it results in sunburn and blistering.

• Fair-skinned people who sunburn easily are at particularly high risk.

Facts1. Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all

cancers. It is estimated that more than 1 million Americans develop skin cancer every year.

2. One in five-to-six Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in life.

3. At least 90% of these result from exposure to the sun’s uv radiation.

Skin Cancer

• 3 Types: Basal Cell Carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma Melanoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma

• Least Malignant• Most Common• Cells of Stratum

Basale• Invade Dermis or

hypodermis-ulcers

Basal Cell• Caused by chronic sun exposure• Especially fair skin, • light hair and blue, green or grey eyes• Most often on sun exposed areas

– Slow growing– Metastasis rarely occurs– 99% cured by surgery

Right jaw

Pigmented

Basal Cell Carcinoma Facts

•Affects nearly 800,000 American’s yearly.

•Men affected more than women.

•Generally occurs in older individuals, but may occur in younger adults.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma• Arises from prickle cell

of stratum spinosum,• Same skin and hair as bc• May occur in dark

skinned people• Occurs on areas exposed

to the sun; Sun-induced• May penetrate & destroy

underlying tissue

SCC• Metastasize to adjacent

lymph nodes• Lesion appears scaly

reddened papule• Grows rapidly• If caught early & removed

surgically or radiation, the chance of complete cure is good.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Facts

•Affects more than 100,000 Americans each year

•Cure rate is approx. 95% when treated

•Incidence increases with age, occurring more in males than females.

Melanoma

• Cancer of melanocytes• Rare & accounts for 1% of cancer cases• Deadly• Can begin wherever there is pigment• Metastasize rapidly• Lesions may appear dark brown, black or multicolored

growth with irregular border that can become crusted and bleed

• Widespread excision & chemotherapy

30 year old engineer who spent time in Saudi Arabia neglected a growth on top of head at the site of a burn. At this time the tumor had been present for about 2 years. Biopsy revealed SCC and distant metastases. He died shortly after this picture.

Melanoma

• 4 Types–Acrolentiginous–Lentigo Maligna–Nodular–Superficial

Spreading

Acrolentiginous Melanoma

• Usually found on the hands, feet, or nails

Lentigo Maligna Melanoma

• Sun exposed surfaces

• Particularly in elderly

• 1. Shoulder• 2. Foot

Nodular Melanoma

Nodular melanoma worsens with the thickness of the lesion, and this variety of melanoma seems to grow in thickness rather than diameter.

Superficial Spreading Melanoma

• This extremity lesion has several shades of brown as well as depigmented areas and black papules.

Melanoma Facts•Only 5% of all skin cancer.

•Responsible for more than 80% of skin cancer deaths

•Develops on the skin of approximately 53,600 Americans annually, with an estimated 7,800 dying from melanoma annually.(AmeriPath)

Steps to reduce your risk of skin cancer

1. Avoid sun exposure from 10:00 am-3:00pm

2. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF no less than 15 on all exposed areas-Reapply frequently

3. Wear broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and tightly woven clothing

4. Avoid tanning salons.

5. Inspect your body regularly