Skin Cancers - Plastic Surgery Flashcards
What is a basal cell carcinoma?
Cancer that affects the basal cells of the skin, located in the deepest layer of the epidermis.
- Slow growing malignancy that predominantly affects Caucasians and rarely metastasises
Where is a BCC most commonly found?
Head and neck
What is the cause of BCC?
o UV light, genetic disposition
What are the risk factors for BCC?
o Exposure to sun at a young age, increasing age, fair skin, blonde or red hair, previous history of BCC, immunosuppression
How is a BCC diagnosis made?
o Clinical diagnosis by GP, dermatologist, plastic surgeon
o Biopsy
What is the management for BCC?
o Non-surgical = curettage, cautery, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, topical imiquimod cream
o Surgical = excision (+/- radiotherapy), Mohs micrographic surgery
What is a squamous cell carcinoma?
- Cancer of epithelial cells of epidermis. Can develop in skin or mucous membranes.
What does a SCC look like?
scaly patches or open sores. Can crust and bleed.
What are the common sites of SCC?
Common sites include scalp, ears, face, lower lip and dorsum of the hand.
What is the cause of SCC?
Long term UV light exposure
- can develop in skin previously damaged by burns
How is SCC diagnosed?
o Clinical diagnosis by GP, dermatologist, plastic surgeon
o Biopsy
How is SCC managed?
o Non-surgical = curettage, cautery, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, topical therapy
o Surgical = excision with predefined margins
What is melanoma?
Malignant conversion of melanocytes
What is the most common site of melanoma?
Skin
What is the ABCDE of melanoma?
o Asymmetry o Borders (irregular) o Colour variety (a number of different shades of brown/black/blue) o Diameter o Evolving (any change in size, shape, colour, elevation or any new symptom)
