Skin CancersPages 126-127

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ABCD RuleA Asymmetry

Two sides of pigmented mole do not matchB Border irregularity

Borders of mole are not smoothC Color

Different colors in pigmented areaD Diameter

Spot is larger than 6 mm in diameter

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Skin CancerCancer—abnormal cell mass

mitosis is no longer being controlledTwo classifications:

1. Benign: doesn’t spread (encapsulated)2. Malignant:

1. Metastasizes (spreads) to other parts of the body

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer

Types of Skin Cancers:Basal Cell

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Basal Cell CarcinomaLeast malignantMost common typeArises from stratum basale

Figure 4.13a Photographs of skin cancers.

(a) Basal cell carcinoma

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Squamos Cell CarcinomaMetastasizes to lymph nodes if not removedEarly removal allows a good chance of cureBelieved to be sun-inducedArises from stratum spinosum

Figure 4.13b Photographs of skin cancers.

(b) Squamous cell carcinoma

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Malignant MelanomaMost deadlyCancer of melanocytesMetastasizes rapidly to lymph and blood

vesselsDetection uses ABCD rule

** there is such thing as a benign melanoma- this is just another name for a mole

Figure 4.13c Photographs of skin cancers.

(c) Melanoma

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ABCD RuleA Asymmetry

Two sides of pigmented mole do not matchB Border irregularity

Borders of mole are not smoothC Color

Different colors in pigmented areaD Diameter

Spot is larger than 6 mm in diameter