skin carcinoma

What is Skin Carcinoma?

Skin carcinoma, also known as skin cancer, is a type of disease that involves the growth of abnormal cells in your skin tissues [1]. Normally, as skin cells grow old and die, new cells form to replace them. However, when this process doesn’t work as it should — like after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun — cells grow more quickly, leading to the development of cancerous cells.

Types of Skin Carcinoma

There are several types of skin carcinoma, including:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common type of skin cancer, which looks like a flesh-colored, pearl-like bump, or pinkish patch of skin [5].
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The second most common type of skin cancer, often appearing as a red firm bump, scaly patch, or a sore that heals and then re-opens [11].

Causes and Risk Factors

Skin carcinoma is primarily caused by exposure to UV light from the sun or tanning beds. People with fair skin are more likely to develop skin cancer due to their increased sensitivity to UV radiation.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of skin carcinoma can

Warning Signs of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer can be a serious health concern, and it's essential to recognize its warning signs. According to various medical sources [1][2], the most common sign of skin cancer is a change on your skin, typically a new growth or a change in an existing growth or mole.

Common Symptoms:

• A new mole
• A mole that changes in size, shape, or color, or that bleeds
• A sore that doesn't heal
• Ulcer
• A lump
• Red patches on your skin
• Freckles or moles

These symptoms can be indicative of various types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma [3] and squamous cell carcinoma [4]. It's crucial to note that not all skin cancers look the same, and some may appear as a red, crusty, or scaly patch, a sore, or a firm red bump [5].

Important Considerations:

• Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, including areas not normally exposed to the sun.
• Basal cell carcinoma is more likely to occur in people with lighter-colored skin and may appear as a pearly or waxy bump on the skin.
• Squamous cell carcinoma often occurs on sun-exposed skin, such as the scalp, hands, ears, or lips.

Early Detection

Early detection of skin cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes. If you notice any unusual changes on your skin, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis [6].

References: [1] - Skin cancer affects people of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. [2] - A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. [3] - Signs of basal cell carcinoma include: Pearly or waxy bump on the skin; Flat, rough, or scar-like patch on the skin; A sore that bleeds, doesn't ... [4] - Squamous cell carcinoma symptoms usually look like a red, crusty or scaly patch, a sore or a firm red bump. [5] - You may see any of the following on your skin: Rough, reddish scaly area. Open sore (often with a raised border) Brown spot that looks like an age spot [6] - Learn more about skin cancer symptoms and early detection.

Diagnostic Tests for Skin Carcinoma

Skin carcinoma, also known as skin cancer, can be diagnosed through various tests and procedures. The main goal of these tests is to confirm the presence of cancer cells in the skin and determine the extent of the disease.

• Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure that involves removing a small sample of skin tissue for testing. This is usually done by a dermatologist or a pathologist who examines the sample under a microscope to look for cancer cells (See [9] Dec 15, 2022). There are different types of biopsies, including punch biopsy, which uses a small instrument to take a core of skin (See [15]).
• Physical Exam: A physical exam by a doctor is often the first step in diagnosing skin carcinoma. The doctor will examine the affected area and ask about your health history (See [10] and [13]).
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests, such as MRI scans, can be used to determine if cancer has spread to nearby areas or other parts of the body (See [7] and [8]). However, these tests are not typically used for initial diagnosis.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests may be done in some cases to check for abnormal blood cell counts or chemistry levels, especially in advanced melanoma (See [4]).

Additional Procedures

After a biopsy is performed, additional procedures may be necessary to determine the extent of the cancer. These can include:

• Staging Tests: Staging tests are used to determine the stage of the cancer, which helps guide treatment decisions.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests, such as CT or PET scans, may be used to check for cancer spread.

References

[4] This can affect the stage of the cancer. (See Melanoma Skin Cancer Stages.) [7] For use in skin cancer screening, an MRI scan can show whether cancer has spread to nearby areas like the nerves. [8] Skin cancer diagnosis always requires a skin biopsy​​ [9] Dec 15, 2022 — A skin biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of skin for testing. [10] Diagnosis. Tests and procedures used to diagnose squamous cell carcinoma of the skin include: Physical exam. [13] The next step is testing to determine if it is cancer. Skin biopsy can provide a definitive diagnosis of cancer. [15] Skin Cancer Tests. If you think a mole or other skin lesion has turned into skin cancer, your doctor will probably refer you to a dermatologist.

Treatment Options for Skin Carcinoma

Skin carcinoma, also known as skin cancer, can be treated using various methods, including drug treatments. Here are some of the most common drug treatment options:

• Topical Chemotherapy: Creams or lotions containing anti-cancer agents may be applied directly to the skin to treat cancers limited to the top layer of skin [11].
• Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors: Drugs like Erivedge (vismodegib) are used to treat advanced or recurrent basal cell carcinoma [3][4]. These medications work by inhibiting the hedgehog signaling pathway, which is involved in cancer development.
• Immunotherapy: Agents like cemiplimab (Libtayo) have been approved for patients with an advanced form of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a common type of skin cancer [13]. These drugs work by strengthening the body's immune system to fight cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: Medications like Imiquimod are used to treat basal cell carcinoma and

The differential diagnosis of skin cancer involves identifying and ruling out other conditions that may present similarly to skin cancer. According to various sources [2, 5, 7], the differential diagnosis of skin cancer depends on the specific lesion and its characteristics.

Common Conditions to Consider

• Neurofibromas
• Seborrheic keratoses
• Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma
• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Intradermal nevus
• Lichenoid benign keratosis
• Ringworm

These conditions can be confused with skin cancer, especially in cases where the lesion is small or non-keratotic [15]. It's essential to consider these differential diagnoses when evaluating a patient with suspected skin cancer.

Specific Lesions and Their Differential Diagnoses

• Basal cell carcinoma: may be confused with trichoblastoma or cSCC with basaloid differentiation [5]
• Squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC): can be differentiated from neurofibromas, seborrheic keratoses, and other conditions based on its appearance and location [4]

Importance of Detailed History and Physical Examination

A detailed history and physical examination are crucial in the differential diagnosis of skin cancer. This includes considering factors such as family history, personal history of previous skin cancer, sun exposure, and other risk factors [2].

In summary, the differential diagnosis of skin cancer involves a thorough evaluation of the patient's history and physical examination, as well as consideration of various conditions that may present similarly to skin cancer.

References:

[1] Higgins JC. Diagnosis is based on the appearance and location of lesions. They must be differentiated from neurofibromas, seborrheic keratoses, and ... [2] Cocuz IG. The differential diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma is generally made with trichoblastoma or cSCC with a basaloid differentiation. [3] Lim JL. Premalignant lesions · - Actinic keratoses · - Bowenoid papulosis · Inflammatory skin disorders · Other malignant skin tumors. [4] Higgins JC. Diagnosis is based on the appearance and location of lesions. They must be differentiated from neurofibromas, seborrheic keratoses, and ... [5] Cocuz IG. The differential diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma is generally made with trichoblastoma or cSCC with a basaloid differentiation. [6] Higgins JC. Diagnosis is based on the appearance and location of lesions. They must be differentiated from neurofibromas, seborrheic keratoses, and ... [7] Higgins JC. Diagnosis is based on the appearance and location of lesions. They must be differentiated from neurofibromas, seborrheic keratoses, and ...