A. Bacterial, viral, yeast, cancer
B. Most tumors of the skin are benign and do not metastasize. Ex) wart
1. Some are malignant or cancerous
C. Skin Cancers
1. Basal cell carcinoma
a. Most common, least malignant
b. Stratum basale cells proliferate and invade the dermis and
hypodermis
c. Slow growing
d. Surgical removal —99% cure
2. Squamous cell carcinoma
a. Keratinocytes of stratum spinosum
b. Rapidly growing and will metastasize if not removed
c. Removal or radiation therapy — cure rate is good
3. Melanoma
a. Cancer of melanocytes
b. Resistant to chemotherapy and highly metastatic
c. 1/3 from preexisting moles
d. Without early detection survival is poor
4. ABCD rule of melanoma
-A – Asymmetry – sides of mole or patch do not match
-B – Border irregularity –
-C – Color – pigmented spot contains several colors
-blacks, browns, tans, reds
-D – Diameter – spot is larger than 6 mm (size of pencil eraser)
It is always important to check your skin for irregular marks or changing marks. If you are unsure, seek the attention of a doctor. It could be the difference between saving your life – or not. Protect yourself from the sun as well.
