« Back to Malignant Tumors of the Skin

Common Cutaneous Malignancies

»	How are skin cancers classified?
»	What are the most common nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs)?
»	What is the most important cause of NMSC?
»	Are there any other causes of NMSC?
»	What special populations are at increased risk of NMSC?
»	How are NMSCs diagnosed?
»	How frequently do NMSCs occur?
»	How can NMSCs be prevented?
»	What factors should you consider in treating NMSC?
»	What are basal cell carcinomas?
»	What is the molecular basis for the development of sporadic basal cell carcinoma?
»	Describe the clinical and histologic appearance of basal cell carcinomas.
»	What is nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome?
»	What do typical squamous cell carcinomas look like clinically?
»	What is the biologic behavior of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma?
»	What are keratoacanthomas?
»	How do keratoacanthomas present clinically?
»	What is Bowen’s disease?
»	What is an actinic keratosis?
»	What do actinic keratoses look like?
»	How should premalignant lesions, such as actinic keratoses and actinic cheilitis, be treated?

Are there any other causes of NMSC?

• Arsenic ingestion
• Chronic ulcers and scars (e.g., burn wounds)
• Environmental pollutants
• Genetic factors (e.g., xeroderma pigmentosum, albinism)
• Local prolonged heat exposure
• Topical exposure to tars and oils
• Viral infection (e.g., some strains of human papillomavirus)
• Radiation treatment (e.g., acne treatment)