The three major skin cancer types (II)

What are the major types of skin cancer ? There are three major types of skin cancer:

basal cell carcinoma – the most common form (non-melanoma skin cancer highly curable ) squamous cell carcinoma – second most common form (non-melanoma skin cancer highly curable) melanoma – most dangerous (high lethal ) Unusual types of skin cancer:

Merkel cell tumors Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans What is a basal cell carcinoma (BCC)? As the most common form of skin cancer (more than 4 million cases in the US each year), BCC begins its growth in the basal cells, when one of these cells evolves mutations in its DNA. The mutation causes the cell to proliferate rapidly and continue growing when it would normally die. Located at the bottom of the epidermis, basal cells continuously divide and, thereby, produce new skin cells. Older cells are pushed toward the skin’s surface, where the old cells die. BCC appears on skin areas that are exposed to the sun, e. g. head and neck. One complication after curing a BCC is that a BCC commonly recurs , even if it is successfully treated. Also, the chance of developing other types of skin cancer is considerably increased. Very rarely, BCC can metastasize to nearby lymph nodes, bones or lungs.

What is a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)? SCC begins in the squamous cells, when one of these cells develops mutations in its DNA. Squamous cells build up the epidermis, the outer layer of our skin. Usually SCC is not lethal but it can be very aggressive. Untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and grow very large. Found in many areas in your body, SCC can occur at any place where squamous cells are found. It occurs when genes in the flat, thin squamous cells in the outer layers of the skin mutate, induced by e.g. exposure to UV-light.

What is a melanoma? The most serious form of skin cancer is melanoma, which originates in the melanocytes (skin cells in the upper layer of the skin, which produce melanin and give the skin its color). The high risk-level of this cancer derives from its ability to rapidly spread to other organs. Melanoma only occurs when DNA is damaged by burning or tanning due to UV radiation mutations in the melanocytes, resulting in uncontrolled cellular growth.

There are four main types of melanoma:

• Superficial spreading melanoma The most common form of melanoma. It can begin in a mole (it grows on the skin surface for an unknown time before growing more deeply) or appears as a new lesion. It occurs most often on the upper back, on the torso in men, and on the legs in women..

• Lentigo maligna melanoma It often develops in older people. It grows close to the skin surface at first. The tumor typically arises on sun-damaged skin on the face, ears, arms or upper torso.

• Acral lentiginous melanoma Found most commonly in people with darker skins, including individuals of African ancestry. It is rarely diagnosed in patients with lighter skins. It often appears under the nails and on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands. It often appears as a black or brown area.

• Nodular melanoma This tumour accounts for 10–15 % of all cases, and is the most aggressive type of melanoma. Most of the time it is invasive (grows deeper into the skin) even when first diagnosed.

How can skin cancer be treated? If detected early, even a melanoma is usually curable by treatments such as surgery. It can however be difficult to treat and can be deadly if the melanoma has spread deeper into the skin or to other parts of the body.

In cases of a very small skin cancer and low risk of spreading: • Curettage and electrodessication: That means removing the surface of the skin cancer with a curette and then performing electrodessication.

• Laser therapy Used only for very superficial skin lesions.

• Freezing Used only for superficial skin lesions, it is also called “cryosurgery”.

• Photodynamic therapy A combination of photosensitizing drugs and light.

In cases of larger skin cancers: • Simple excision Cutting out the cancerous tissue and a surrounding marging of healthy skin. In some cases a wide excision will be recommend.

• Mohs surgery Removing the cancer layer-by-layer until no abnormal cells remain (assessed under the micrsocope).

• Radiation therapy Sometimes used after surgery when there is an increased risk that the cancer will return or has already spread locally.

In cases of skin cancers that spread beyond the skin: • Chemotherapy

• Targeted drug therapy It focuses on specific weaknesses within the cancer cells. It is usually combined with chemotherapy.

• Immunotherapy A drug treatment, which helps the immune system to fight against cancer.

EXERCISE: 1. Which one is the most common form of skin cancer? a. Basal cell carcinoma b. Squamous cell carcinoma c. Melanoma d. Merkel Cell Carcinoma e. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

2. Skin cancer is only found on areas of your body which are exposed to the sun. a. True b. False

3. The most aggressive type of melanoma is the Nodular melanoma. a. True b. False

You’ll find the answer on the next page.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. www.cdc.gov. 2. www.dict.cc. 3. http://dict.leo.org. 4. Agnew KL, Bunker CB, Arron ST: Fast Facts: Skin Cancer, 2nd edition, Health Press Limited Oxford 2013. 5. www.webster-dictionary.org.

CARMEN LOBITZ Carmen Lobitz ist freie Trainerin, Lehrerin und MTA. Sie gründete 1998 in Berlin lobitz seminare, die unter anderem Englischseminare für Health Professionals anbieten. Kontakt: mail@lobitz-seminare.de www.lobitz-seminare.de

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Lösung für Exercise: Answer: 1. a Answer: 2. b Answer: 3. a

The three major skin cancer types (II)

What are the major types of skin cancer?

What is a basal cell carcinoma (BCC)?

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The three major skin cancer types (II)

What are the major types of skin cancer?

What is a basal cell carcinoma (BCC)?

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