Skin Cancer: The Facts

The Facts……….

• Skin cancer is the most common cancer

• Approximately 1 million cases per year

• It is estimated that nearly half of Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they turn 65

Some basic anatomy….

3 layers

1- Epidermis

2- Dermis

3- Hypodermis

Epidermis

“Outer Layer”

Contains Keratin- protein used to protect and water proof cells

Outer layer skin cells replaced once per month

Nails- dead cells that grow out of the epidermis

Dermis

“Middle Layer”- gives skin elasticityThings found in the dermis:

1- Glandsa. sebaceous glands-

produce oilb. sweat glands- produce

sweat2- hair- you have b/w 100,000 and

200,000 hairs on your head

Hypodermis

“inner layer”

Attaches skin to bone and muscle

Acts as insulation and cushion for organs

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer develops when abnormal cells develop and replicate in the skin tissue

( most occur in the epidermis)

Risk factors……….

• Light colored skin

• Prolonged exposure to the sun- UV radiation

• Age

What are the signs/symptoms….

Remember your ABC’s………….A- Asymmetry

B- Border

C- Color

D- Diameter

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

Unusual looking skin:• Biopsy

• X-rays

• Blood test

• Scans of liver

Three types of skin cancer….

1- Basal cell carcinoma

2- Squamous cell carcinoma

3- Melanoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma…..

• Most common ( accounts for 90% of the cases)

• Does not spread( metastasize)

Appearance: Looks like a dome-shaped bump/ texture is “pearly”

Basal Cell Continued……

• Growth is slow

• Removal is the most common form of treatment

• Overall success rate of complete recovery- 90 %

Squamous Cell Carcinoma…

• Occur 25% as often as basal cell

• Can spread (metastasize)

• More common is men than women

Squamous Cell Continued…..

Appearance: Starts out as firm, red, bump

Hot spots: Occur mainly on the lower lip

Melanoma……

• Most deadly form of skin cancer

• Develop when an existing mole changes in color or shape

• Begins in melanocytes

•Melanocytes- cells that

produce melanin, found

throughout the epidermis

Type: Signs fact

Basal Dome shaped bump

Most common

Squamous Red, firm bump

More common in men

Melanoma Results from abnormal mole growth

Most deadly

Treatment……..

• Surgery

• Chemotherapy

• Anticancer drugs/perfusion

• Biological therapy

• Radiation therapy

References…..

Medicine Net: Melanoma http://www.medicinenet.com/melanoma/article.htm. © 1996-2005 Medicine Net, Inc. All rights reserved

Medicine Net: Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer)

http://www.medicinenet.com/skin_cancer/article.htm

. © 1996-2005 Medicine Net, Inc. All rights reserved