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About Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Characteristics:

  • Originates in the basal cells, which are located in the deepest part of the epidermis (outer skin layer).
  • Appears as a pearly or waxy bump, often with visible blood vessels, or as a flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion.
  • Slow-growing and rarely metastasizes (spreads to other parts of the body).
  • Common Locations: Areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Characteristics:

  • Develops in the squamous cells, which make up the middle and outer layers of the skin.
  • Presents as a firm, red nodule, or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.
  • Can be more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma and has a higher risk of spreading, especially if not treated promptly.
  • Common Locations: Sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, neck, hands, and arms, but can also occur on other parts of the body.

Melanoma

Characteristics:

  • Arises from melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment melanin.
  • Appears as a new mole or a change in an existing mole, often with an irregular border and multiple colors.
  • Can be very aggressive and is more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.
  • Common Locations: Can occur anywhere on the body, including areas not exposed to the sun, but commonly found on the trunk, legs, arms, and face.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)

Characteristics:

  • A rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that originates in Merkel cells, which are part of the skin’s touch sensory system.
  • Appears as a fast-growing, painless, firm nodule that can be red, purple, or skin-colored.
  • Common Locations: Frequently found on sun-exposed areas like the face, head, and neck.

Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP)

Characteristics:

  • A rare type of skin cancer that starts in the dermis (middle layer of the skin) and grows slowly.
  • Appears as a small, firm nodule that may be purple or reddish-brown and can become larger over time.
  • Common Locations: Commonly found on the trunk but can occur anywhere on the body.

Kaposi Sarcoma

Characteristics:

  • Originates in the endothelial cells that line blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.
  • Appears as red, purple, or brown patches or nodules on the skin or mucous membranes.
  • Often associated with immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS.
  • Common Locations: Typically on the legs, feet, or face, but can also affect internal organs.
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Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL)

Characteristics:

  • A type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that begins in the T-cells of the skin.
  • Presents as patches, plaques, or nodules on the skin that may be red, scaly, and itchy.
  • Common Locations: Can appear anywhere on the skin but often starts on areas that are not typically sun-exposed, such as the trunk and thighs.

Sebaceous Carcinoma

Characteristics:

  • An uncommon and aggressive cancer that originates in the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin.
  • Appears as a firm, painless nodule that can be yellowish in color.
  • Common Locations: Often found on the eyelids, but can occur elsewhere on the body.

AFX (Atypical Fibroxanthoma)

Characteristics:

  • Appearance: AFX tumors often present as a fast-growing, red, ulcerated nodule or lesion, usually on sun-exposed areas such as the head, neck, or extremities.
  • Demographics: Primarily affects elderly individuals, particularly those with a history of significant sun exposure or chronic skin damage.
  • Behavior: Generally considered to be of low malignant potential but can occasionally exhibit more aggressive behavior. Recurrence is possible, especially if not completely excised.

Skin Cancer Prevention Measures.

  • Apply sunscreen or apply moisturising cream with SPF30+ cover.
  • Wear protective clothing
  • Avoid direct Sun
  • Get skin regular Skin Check
  • Apply sunscreen or apply moisturising cream with SPF30+ cover.
  • Wear protective clothing
  • Avoid direct Sun
  • Get skin regular Skin Check
 

ABCDE guide to self checking:

  • Asymmetry: Look for spots that are asymmetrical, when one half of the spot doesn’t match the other.
  • Border: Look for spots with uneven borders.
  • Colour: Look for spots with an unusual or uneven colour. May be blotchy and more than one colour – brown, black, blue, grey or red.
  • Diameter: Look for spots that are growing and changing in size.
  • Evolving: Look for changes in size, shape, colour, elevation, bleeding, itching or crusting.

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