Skin cancer

Snapshot Other common terms: AK, Solar Keratosis, SK, senile keratosis ICD-10 classification:L57.0 Prevalence: Very common; approximately 50% of the global population. Higher in fair skinned populations. Causes: Chronic exposure to sunlight. Can be accelerated by immune suppression. Symptoms: Dry, rough or scaly lesions on skin generally 2-6mm in diameter. Can take on ‘horned’ look. Can progress into squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer. Treatments/cures: Tumour removal (surgery or cryotherapy), topical therapies, photodynamic therapy. Differential diagnosis: Invasive squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer Actinic Keratoses (AKs) are collections of abnormal skin cells (keratinocytes)…

Snapshot Other common terms: BCC, BCC skin cancer, non-melanoma skin cancer, NMSC ICD-10 classification: C44.0 Prevalence: 75% of all skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas. Much higher in fair skinned populations. 1600:100,000 in Australia, 40-80:100,000 in European countries, approx 300:100,000 in USA Causes: Chronic UV exposure light is believed to play a role, along with genetic predispositions (fair skin, blue/green eyes, red/blonde hair). X-rays, arsenic and coal tar derivatives. Symptoms: Skin cancer in basal cells of the skin. Generally a bump or skin growth, or it could be flat or…

Incidence Melanoma skin cancer The incidence of melanoma varies geographically. Australia has the highest incidence, with 1 in 25 people succumbing to the disease in their lifetime, compared to 1 in 5000 in the USA and European countries. Causes High peaks to sun exposure (eg. sunburn in childhood) and overall lifetime overexposure to ultraviolet radiation contributes substantially to melanoma Symptoms Melanoma skin cancer Melanomas can present themselves as moles in areas all over the body, from both areas that are constantly, and never, exposed to the sun. Along with being found on…

Snapshot Other common terms: SCC, SCC skin cancer, non-melanoma skin cancer, NMSC ICD-10 classification: C44 Prevalence: Second most common form of skin cancer. Causes: Chronic exposure of skin to UV radiation. Immunosuppression and certain medical conditions are known to dramatically increase the risk of SCC skin cancer Symptoms: Vary dramatically from patient to patient. May present as firm, flesh-coloured, red or brown scaly papule or plaque, however they may also present as a non-healing ulcer, smooth nodule, conical horn or wart like growth. t;strong>Treatments/cures: Surgery is mainstay of treatment, particularly…