Skin Cancer Overview and Types

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Questions and Answers

What is the most common cause of basal cell carcinoma (BCC)?

Chronic wounds

Smoking habits

Genetic predisposition from CDKN2A mutations

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (correct)

Which characteristic is unique to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)?

Frequently caused by food allergies

Typically develops from basal keratinocytes

Occurs mainly in the dermis layer

Often associated with chronic irritation (correct)

How does UV radiation contribute to melanoma development?

By enhancing immune system responses

By increasing blood flow to the skin

By promoting skin exfoliation

By causing mutations in melanocytes (correct)

What role does the p53 tumor suppressor gene play in skin cancer?

It regulates cell apoptosis and growth. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of basal cell carcinoma's growth pattern?

Infiltrates local tissues slowly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can increase the risk of developing melanoma?

Having a family history of melanoma Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in location of growth?

It often arises in sun-exposed areas. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the progression of basal cell carcinoma (BCC)?

DNA damage from UV radiation Signup and view all the answers

What role do genetic mutations in p53 play in relation to skin cancer?

They impair the skin's DNA repair capacity. Signup and view all the answers

How does squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) develop if left untreated?

It can progress to invasive SCC. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of melanoma lesions as per the ABCDE criteria?

Asymmetry, irregular borders, color variation, larger diameter, evolving. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason skin cancer is not a transmissible disease?

It is caused by genetic mutations rather than infectious agents. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the most significant modifiable risk factor for skin cancer?

Exposure to UV radiation. Signup and view all the answers

Which group of individuals is at higher risk for skin cancer due to immunosuppression?

HIV-positive individuals and organ transplant recipients. Signup and view all the answers

As one ages, how does the risk of skin cancer change?

It increases due to cumulative UV exposure. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of melanoma in comparison to other skin cancers?

It is highly metastatic and spreads aggressively. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Skin Cancer/Carcinoma

Skin cancer is a common cancer type, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (BCC and SCC).
Different types have distinct cause, characteristics, and mechanisms.

Most Likely Causes

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Primarily caused by UV radiation (sunlight or tanning beds).
Mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene are a key cause.
Genetic factors leading to mutations in genes controlling cell growth and apoptosis can increase susceptibility.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Caused by cumulative UV radiation exposure.
UV radiation damages DNA, impairing its repair capacity, leading to mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene.
Chronic irritation (wounds, burns, scars) can also be a contributing factor.
Melanoma
Caused by mutations in melanocytes, often triggered by UV radiation.
UV-induced mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (like BRAF and p53) are common.
Genetic predisposition (family history of melanoma, mutations in genes like CDKN2A) increases risk.

Pathophysiology

BCC:
Originates from basal keratinocytes in the epidermis' basal layer.
UV radiation damages DNA, particularly the p53 tumor suppressor gene, disrupting cell cycle regulation.
Damaged keratinocytes proliferate uncontrollably, forming nodules or ulcers.
Typically grows slowly, rarely metastasizes.
SCC:
Originates from keratinocytes in sun-exposed areas (e.g., head, neck, arms).
UV radiation causes mutations in p53 and other tumor suppressor genes, impairing DNA repair.
Damaged keratinocytes proliferate uncontrollably, developing into fast-growing lesions.
Has a higher tendency for metastasis to lymph nodes compared to BCC.
Melanoma:
Originates from melanocytes (pigment-producing cells of the skin).
UV radiation damages DNA in critical genes such as BRAF and p53, disrupting cell cycle control.
Melanocytes proliferate uncontrollably, forming irregular, asymmetrical pigmented lesions, commonly showing ABCDE characteristics (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variations, Diameter >6mm, Evolving).
Highly metastatic, potentially spreading to distant sites like the brain, liver, and lungs.

Disease Transmission

Skin cancer is not a transmissible disease. It's caused by genetic mutations, often triggered by UV exposure, rather than an infectious agent.

Risk Factors

Modifiable: UV radiation exposure (sun, tanning beds), immunosuppression, chronic wounds.
Non-Modifiable: Age, fair skin, family history, genetic mutations (CDKN2A, BRAF, p53).

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Description

Dive into the world of skin cancer, learning about the different types such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Each type has distinct causes, characteristics, and genetic factors that contribute to its development. This quiz will enhance your understanding of skin cancer mechanisms and risk factors.