#skincancers - an easy and complete overview.

Here we describe the 3 commonest types of skin cancers:

1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

• This presents as a firm irregular fleshy growth usually on sun exposed skin.
• The growth can increase rapidly in size giving rise to a large lump which may sometimes break down to form an ulcer.
• If untreated, the cancer may spread to the surrounding lymph nodes.
• SCC usually appears in elderly patients. Chronic sun exposure is an important contributing factor in the development of this type of skin cancer.

  

  Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Bowen’s disease is a limited type of SCC, which means, it affects only the superficial part of the skin (intraepithelial, non-invasive). In the genitals, it is also called Erythroplasia of Queyrat or VIN III (Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia)

Bowen’s Disease

2. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

• This is a slow growing painless skin cancer.
• The cancer often presents as an indolent ulcer with a shiny or translucent raised margin. The ulcer is often pigmented.
• This cancer commonly appears on the face.

  

  Basal cell carcinoma

3. Malignant Melanoma

• This is a cancer of the melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment of the skin (melanin).
• It is a highly malignant and aggressive skin cancer.
• It presents as dark brown or black growth or ulcer in the skin. It may look like ordinary moles, but unlike benign moles:

1. it grows rapidly;
2. its surface has several shades of red, black or blue colours;
3. its margin is irregular;
4. it tends to be large;.
5. it tends to be thick.

• Melanoma is uncommon among Asians and Blacks; on them, it occurs on the fingers, toes and face (acral melanoma).

  

  Superficial spreading malignant melanoma

Treatment for skin cancers

• All skin cancers should be removed immediately.
• The cancerous tumours must be destroyed or removed surgically.
• Sometimes, a small piece of the tumour is removed (skin biopsy) first for examination to confirm its cancerous origin.