Skin Tumors Overview

Acanthosis nigricans lesions are most commonly found on the trunk and extremities without involvement of flexural areas.

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition that causes dark, velvety patches of skin, most commonly on the neck, armpits, and groin.

Flexural areas are body folds, like the armpits, groin, and elbows.

Acanthosis nigricans can be a sign of underlying health conditions, such as insulin resistance or diabetes.

The morphology of a lesion refers to its shape, size, and appearance.

Substances like industrial hydrocarbons and arsenicals are known to cause similar damage to tissues as exposure to ionizing radiation.

Certain industrial chemicals, such as hydrocarbons and arsenicals, can cause damage to tissues that mimics the effects of exposure to ionizing radiation.

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed primarily of hydrogen and carbon atoms.

Arsenicals are compounds containing arsenic, a toxic element.

Ionizing radiation, like X-rays and gamma rays, can damage tissues and cause lesions.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, industrial hydrocarbons, and arsenicals can lead to SCC (squamous cell carcinoma), a type of skin cancer.

The risk of developing SCC from exposure to UV light, hydrocarbons, and arsenicals is not 100%.

Industrial hydrocarbons and arsenicals, along with UV light, can increase the risk of developing SCC.

Abnormal cell growth that doesn't become cancerous.

A type of mole with abnormal cells.

A skin condition with abnormal cells that often develops into skin cancer if left untreated.

The process of cells gradually changing and becoming abnormal.

Some types of dysplastic cells can remain stable and not progress to cancer.

A skin condition that starts growing rapidly but then stops, remaining in the same state.

A type of skin growth that is considered pre-malignant, meaning it has the potential to become cancerous.

Despite being pre-malignant, Acanthosis Keratosis (AK) is still a skin condition that should be addressed by a doctor.

Even when a proliferating lesion stops, the skin changes may still be present, requiring monitoring and possible treatment to prevent further complications.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is more common in people with weakened immune systems or genetic conditions that affect DNA repair, like xeroderma pigmentosum.

Some basal cell carcinomas can contain melanin, making them look like moles or melanomas.

Xeroderma pigmentosum is a rare genetic disease that makes people extremely sensitive to sunlight. People with this disease have a higher risk of developing skin cancers, including BCC.

Immunosuppression is a state where the immune system is weakened, making the body more vulnerable to infections and diseases, including cancer.

DNA repair is a process that corrects errors in DNA, which can protect against cancer development. Defects in DNA repair can increase the risk of cancer.