Non Melanoma Skin Cancer
ACTINIC KERATOSIS
Actinic keratosis present usually as multiple scaly, red and slightly sore skin lesions on the sun exposed skin of patients with fair skin. Common sites include bald scalp of men, face and neck in both sexes and top of chest and legs in ladies. This is a precancerous condition and must not be ignored.
BOWEN’S DISEASE
Bowen’s disease or squamous cell carcinoma in situ is a somewhat more advanced precancer compared to actinic keratosis. Under the microscope, Bowen’s disease shows full thickness epidermal dysphasia and is more likely to change to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
SUPERFICIAL BASAL CELL CARCINOMA
An unusually large patch of the superficial form of the most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma. Today many such lesions are treated using non surgical techniques such as photodynamic therapy.
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NODULAR BASAL CELL CARCINOMA
A classical nodular basal cell carcinoma. This is the most common human malignancy with a rather insidious growth rate in the majority of patients. Excision is usually curative and there is very little risk for distant spread. |
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer in Caucasians. Most arise in the sun exposed skin of the fair skinned and very often have a precancerous stage. Excision is often curative but this type of skin cancer can spread beyond skin if left untreated.
