Skin Cancer and Melanoma Overview
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Which type of skin cancer accounts for the largest number of skin cancer-related deaths?

  • Squamous cell cancer
  • Melanoma (correct)
  • Dysplastic nevi
  • Basal cell cancer

    • Malignant melanomas can only develop in new moles.

    False

    What pigment is produced by melanocytes in the skin?

    Melanin

    Malignant melanomas arise from __________ cells located at or near the basal layer.

    <p>melanocytes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following precursor lesions with their description:

    <p>Congenital nevi = Moles present at birth Dysplastic nevi = Atypical moles with irregular features Lentigo maligna = An age-related skin lesion often found on sun-exposed areas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic do malignant melanomas usually possess?

    <p>Flat and benign when confined to the epidermis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Tumors in less visible areas, such as the feet and scalp, have a better prognosis than those in more visible areas.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common treatment variable that affects the prognosis for malignant melanoma?

    <p>Tumor thickness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary recommendation for protection against skin cancer?

    <p>Applying sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher daily</p> Signup and view all the answers

    People with dark skin are at a higher risk for developing actinic keratosis than those with light-colored skin.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done immediately after swimming with sunscreen applied?

    <p>Reapply sunscreen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    One indoor tanning session before age 35 increases melanoma risk by _____%.

    <p>75</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a recommended preventive measure against skin cancer?

    <p>Using tanning beds excessively</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following items related to sun protection:

    <p>Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 = Apply 30 minutes before sun exposure Hats = Wear to protect the face from the sun Frequent skin exams = Monitor for skin changes Indoor tanning = Increase risk of melanoma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Newborns can safely be exposed to direct sunlight.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What age should individuals start to receive annual skin checks from their health care provider?

    <p>6 months</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is another name for a precursor lesion?

    <p>Premalignant lesion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All congenital nevi are small in size.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are dysplastic nevi also called?

    <p>Atypical moles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The most common type of malignant melanoma is __________.

    <p>superficial-spreading melanoma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the types of melanoma with their characteristics:

    <p>Superficial-spreading melanoma = Most common type, grows rapidly in vertical phase Nodular melanoma = Most aggressive type, often resembles a blood blister Acral lentiginous melanoma = Most common in African Americans, appears under nails Lentigo maligna melanoma = Least serious, arises from lentigo maligna</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of dysplastic nevi?

    <p>Presence at birth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Nodular melanoma typically arises from a preexisting nevus.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of lentigo maligna?

    <p>It resembles a freckle or age spot and is usually seen in older adults.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A lesion that has an irregular surface and fairly regular border is characteristic of __________.

    <p>congenital nevi</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during the vertical growth phase of melanoma?

    <p>The risk for metastasis increases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Dysplastic nevi can appear on various body parts, including the face and scalp.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many types of malignant melanoma are mentioned in the content?

    <p>Five</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The appearance described as "fried egg appearance" relates to the pigment of __________.

    <p>dysplastic nevi</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of melanoma is diagnosed most frequently in individuals over the age of 60?

    <p>Lentigo maligna melanoma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of melanoma diagnoses does mucosal lentiginous melanoma account for?

    <p>3%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Mucosal lentiginous melanoma is typically diagnosed in younger adults.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of cancer is the most common and least aggressive skin cancer?

    <p>Basal cell cancer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Basal cell cancer rarely _____ to other parts of the body.

    <p>metastasizes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of basal cell carcinoma is characterized by finger-like projections?

    <p>Morpheaform basal cell carcinoma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Squamous cell cancer is more aggressive than basal cell cancer.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What common feature is found in squamous cell cancer as it grows?

    <p>Keratin 'pearls'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Mucosal lentiginous melanoma can develop on any _____ surface of the body.

    <p>mucosal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a classification of basal cell carcinoma?

    <p>Melanotic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the type of basal cell carcinoma with its description:

    <p>Nodular = Appears as a smooth papule Superficial = Flat papule or plaque, often erythematous Pigmented = Concentrates melanin giving it a dark appearance Morpheaform = Has finger-like projections that invade surrounding tissue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Basal cell cancer usually develops on areas of skin exposed to UV rays.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a notable symptom of nodular basal cell carcinoma?

    <p>Shiny and pearly appearance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Squamous cell cancer often arises from preexisting skin lesions such as _____ and actinic keratosis.

    <p>scars</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common location for nodular basal cell carcinoma?

    <p>Face, neck, and head</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can happen if basal cell cancers are left untreated?

    <p>They invade surrounding tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is actinic keratosis primarily associated with?

    <p>Chronic sun exposure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Melanoma risk is increased by having a family history of the disease.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average diameter of actinic keratosis lesions?

    <p>A few millimeters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Exposure to UV radiation is a major cause of ______ cancer.

    <p>skin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following risk factors with their corresponding skin cancer types:

    <p>Cumulative UV exposure = Melanoma Chemical exposure = Nonmelanoma Fair skin = Melanoma Human papillomavirus = Nonmelanoma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of skin cancer is described as having the potential to progress from actinic keratosis?

    <p>Squamous cell carcinoma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Tanning beds do not contribute to the risk of skin cancer.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What skin characteristics are associated with higher melanoma risk?

    <p>Fair skin, freckles, blonde or red hair, light-colored eyes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The effects of long-term sun exposure are illustrated in actinic keratosis, which is a type of ______ skin lesion.

    <p>epidermal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors is NOT typically considered a risk factor for nonmelanoma skin cancer?

    <p>Heavy physical exercise</p> Signup and view all the answers

    UVB rays penetrate the skin deeper than UVA rays.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the presence of enlarged or ulcerated actinic keratosis lesions suggest?

    <p>Transformation to malignancy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Environmental factors like ______ can lead to mutations in skin cells, increasing skin cancer risk.

    <p>UV radiation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following environmental factors with their potential effects on skin cancer risk:

    <p>Ozone layer depletion = Increased UV exposure Use of tanning booths = Higher skin cancer risk Chemical exposure = Possible skin carcinogens Age = Increased susceptibility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Skin Cancer

    • The skin, despite its protective quality, is susceptible to damage from UV radiation and chemicals.
    • This may lead to skin cancers, with many lesions appearing on areas frequently exposed to the sun.
    • Malignant melanoma, though accounting for only 1% of all skin cancers, is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths.
    • Basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer are the most common nonmelanoma skin cancers.

    Overview of Melanoma

    • Malignant melanoma originates from melanocytes, cells found in the basal layer of the epidermis.
    • Melanocytes produce melanin, which is transferred to keratinocytes for protection from UV rays.
    • Most melanomas are over 6 mm in diameter, asymmetric, and originate within the epidermis.
    • Lesions confined to the epidermis (malignant melanoma in situ) are flat and relatively benign.
    • Once they penetrate the dermis, melanomas can metastasize.
    • Prognosis is influenced by tumor thickness, ulceration, metastasis, location, and patient age and sex.

    Precursor Lesions of Melanoma

    • Congenital nevi are present at birth and can range from small to covering large areas.
    • Dysplastic nevi, also known as atypical moles, develop after puberty.
    • A family history of dysplastic nevi increases the risk of malignant melanoma.
    • Lentigo maligna, also called Hutchinson freckle, often manifests on the face and neck of older adults with excessive sun exposure.

    Types of Malignant Melanoma

    • Major types include superficial-spreading melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma, nodular melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma, and mucosal lentiginous melanoma.
    • All melanomas have a radial growth phase where the tumor grows horizontally and a vertical growth phase where it penetrates the dermis, increasing metastasis risk.

    Superficial-spreading melanoma

    • The most common type (70% of melanomas).
    • Found on various body surfaces, particularly the head, neck, and trunk of men, and legs of women.
    • Often arises from preexisting nevi.
    • Its borders become irregular and its color can change to a mixture of tan, brown, black, red, white, and/or blue.

    Lentigo maligna melanoma

    • Typically arises from lentigo maligna.
    • Characterized by large lesions with varying shades of tans or browns.
    • Affects the face, neck, and sometimes the hands and lower extremities.
    • The radial growth phase can last for years and the lesion can grow several centimeters in diameter.
    • Nodules may develop on the surface of the lesion in the vertical growth phase.

    Nodular melanoma

    • The most aggressive type (10–15% of melanomas).
    • Usually black growths or bumps (polypoids) on the head, neck, and trunk.
    • May resemble a blood blister, or have a crusty or rough texture.
    • Develops quickly to the vertical growth phase.

    Acral lentiginous melanoma

    • The least common form of melanoma, but the most frequent type diagnosed in African Americans.
    • Usually appears as a flat, irregularly shaped, dark-colored patch under the nails, on the palms of the hands, or the soles of the feet.
    • Progresses quickly to the vertical growth phase.

    Mucosal lentiginous melanoma

    • Accounts for approximately 3% of melanoma diagnoses.
    • Develops on mucosal surfaces, including eyelids, nose, mouth, esophagus, anus, urinary tract, or vagina.
    • Often diagnosed later in the course of the disease due to its location.

    Overview of Basal Cell Cancer

    • A tumor originating from the basal layer of the epidermis or surrounding dermal structures.
    • Basal cells are unable to fully mature into keratinocytes, leading to a bulky neoplasm that grows by direct extension.
    • The most common and least aggressive type of skin cancer, rarely metastasizing.
    • Can be nodular, superficial, pigmented, morpheaform, or keratotic.

    Types of Basal Cell Cancer

    • Nodular basal cell carcinoma is the most common type, often appearing on the face, neck, and head.
    • Superficial basal cell carcinoma is the second most common type, often found on the trunk and extremities.
    • Pigmented basal cell carcinoma, less common, occurs on the head, neck, and face.
    • Morpheaform basal cell carcinoma is the rarest form, usually developing on the head and neck.
    • Keratotic basal cell carcinoma (basosquamous) is found on the preauricular and postauricular groove.

    Overview of Squamous Cell Cancer

    • A malignant tumor of the squamous epithelium.
    • Occurs most often on areas exposed to UV rays and weather, such as the forehead, helix of the ear, top of the nose, lower lip, and back of the hands.
    • More aggressive than basal cell cancer, with a higher risk of metastasis.

    Overview of Actinic Keratosis

    • An epidermal skin lesion directly related to chronic sun exposure.
    • Classified as premalignant due to its potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
    • Erythematous, rough macules a few millimeters in diameter.
    • Primarily found on the face, hands, forearms, and sometimes the upper trunk.

    Etiology and Risk Factors of Skin Cancer

    • The exact cause of melanoma is unknown.
    • Risk factors for melanoma include cumulative UV radiation exposure, a high number of moles, fair skin, a past history of melanoma or nonmelanoma skin cancer, and a family history of the disease.

    Etiology and Risk Factors of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

    • Multiple factors contribute to the development of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
    • UV radiation from the sun, pollutants, chemicals, ionizing radiation, viruses, and physical trauma have been implicated.
    • Host factors affecting risk include skin pigmentation and the presence of premalignant lesions.

    Skin Cancer Prevention

    • Minimize sun exposure, especially during peak UV radiation hours.
    • Wear sun-protective clothing and use sunscreen.
    • Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
    • Have regular skin examinations for early detection and treatment.

    Risk Factors for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

    • Actinic keratosis: A premalignant lesion that significantly increases the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
    • Immunosuppression: Organ transplant recipients who undergo immunosuppression have a higher risk of squamous cell cancer.

    Actinic Keratosis

    • Prevalence is highest in people with light-colored skin.
    • Rare in people with dark skin.

    Prevention of Skin Cancer

    • Primary prevention: Avoiding prolonged sun exposure and artificial tanning booths.
    • Sunscreen use:
      • Daily application of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
      • For extended sun exposure, use SPF 30 or higher.
      • Apply 1 ounce to uncovered skin 30 minutes before sun exposure.
      • Reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
      • Apply to everyone over 6 months old.
    • Protective Measures:
      • Wear broad-brimmed hats, sun-safe clothing, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
      • Regular head-to-toe skin exams and annual skin checks by a healthcare provider.
    • Newborns: Should not be exposed to direct sunlight due to their sensitive skin.

    Indoor Tanning Risks

    • Increased melanoma risk: One indoor tanning session before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75%.
    • Genetic mutations: Indoor tanning triggers specific genetic mutations associated with melanoma, leading to earlier diagnosis.
    • Banning tanning beds: Several US states have banned tanning bed use by anyone under 18.

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    Description

    Explore the critical aspects of skin cancer, focusing on the different types, especially malignant melanoma. This quiz covers the causes, features, and implications of skin cancers, including their appearance, risk factors, and prognosis. Understand the significance of melanocytes and melanin in the context of UV damage and cancer development.

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