Skin cancer overview

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Skin cancer Microchapters

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Melanoma
Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
Actinic keratosis
Bowen's disease
Keratoacanthoma
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Merkel cell carcinoma
Kaposi's sarcoma
Angiosarcoma
Cutaneous B cell lymphoma
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Sebaceous gland carcinoma

Pathophysiology

Causes

Epidemiology & Demographics

Risk factors

Screening

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin which can have many causes. Skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin), so a tumor is usually clearly visible. This makes most skin cancers detectable in the early stages. There are three common types of skin cancer, each of which is named after the type of skin cell from which it arises. Cancers caused by UV exposure may be prevented by avoiding exposure to sunlight or other UV sources, wearing sun-protective clothes, and using a broad-spectrum sun screen.

Skin cancers are the fastest growing type of cancer in the United States. Skin cancer represents the most commonly diagnosed malignancy, surpassing lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. More than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2007.[1]

Historical Perspective

Classification

The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) which may be locally disfiguring but are unlikely to metastasize (spread to other parts of the body). The most dangerous type of skin cancer is malignant melanoma. This form of skin cancer can be fatal if not treated early but comprises only a small proportion of all skin cancers.

More rare types of skin cancer include:

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Skin cancer from other diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

References

  1. "Common Cancer Types - National Cancer Institute". Retrieved 2007-07-21.

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