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## Skin Cancer ### How do UV rays contribute to skin aging? UV rays can damage the DNA in epidermal cells and accelerate aging. Chronic exposure to UV rays can mutate the p53 gene in normal skin. This gene, when mutated, is a risk factor for many cancers. ### Table 6.2 Skin Cancer | Type | Descr...

## Skin Cancer ### How do UV rays contribute to skin aging? UV rays can damage the DNA in epidermal cells and accelerate aging. Chronic exposure to UV rays can mutate the p53 gene in normal skin. This gene, when mutated, is a risk factor for many cancers. ### Table 6.2 Skin Cancer | Type | Description | |---|---| | Basal Cell Carcinoma | * Most common type of skin cancer * Least dangerous type, as it seldom metastasizes. * Originates in stratum basale. * First appears as small, pearly white or pink, shiny elevation with small blood vessels running along it; later lesion may enlarge and develop central depression with pearly edge. * Usually occurs on face. * Treated by surgical removal of lesion. | | Squamous Cell Carcinoma | * Arises from keratinocytes of stratum spinosum. * Lesions usually appear on scalp, ears, lower lip, or dorsum of hand. * Early lesions are raised, reddened, scaly; later lesions form concave ulcers with elevated edges. * Treated by surgical removal of lesion. * May metastasize to other parts of the body. | | Malignant Melanoma | * Most deadly type of skin cancer due to aggressive growth and metastasis. * Arises from melanocytes, usually in a preexisting mole * Individuals at increased risk include those who have had severe sunburns. * Characterized by change in mole diameter, color, shape of border, and symmetry. * Survival rate improved by early detection and surgical removal of lesion. * Advanced cases (metastasis of disease) are difficult to cure and are treated with chemotherapy, interferon therapy, and radiation therapy. | ### The usual signs of melanoma may be easily remembered using the ABCDE rule. Report any of the following changes in a birthmark or mole to your physician: * **A** - **Asymmetry:** One-half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other. * **B** - **Border:** Edges are notched, irregular, blurred, or ragged. * **C** - **Color:** Color is not uniform; differing shades (usually brown or black and sometimes patches of white, blue, or red) may be seen. * **D** - **Diameter:** Affected area is larger than 6 mm or is growing larger. * **E** - **Evolving:** Change in the size, shape, or color of a mole or a change in symptoms, such as how a mole feels (how itchy or tender it feels) or what happens on the surface of a mole (especially bleeding).