Skin Cancers Skin Layers http www nlm nih

Skin Cancers

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Basal Cell Carcinoma Originates in the lowest layer of the epidermis (outer layer) Usually develops on sun exposed skin Begins as small, shiny, raised growths on the skin May ulcerate

Does not usually spread to other areas of the body, but destroys surrounding tissue

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Originates in the middle layer of the epidermis Begins as a red area with a scaly, crusted surface Turns into an open sore if let untreated Most affect only the surrounding tissue, however, some do metastasize

Squamous Cell Carcinoma ©http: //www. southcoastmedcenter. com/graphics/lab/squamous_cell. jpg

Melanoma Originates in the pigment-producing cells of the skin (MELANOCYTES)

Melanoma May begin as a new pigmented growth Most develop from existing pigmented moles (NEVI) (singular. NEVUS)

Readily spreads Diagnosis: Biopsied and sent to pathologist for confirmation Treatment: Surgical removal

Metastatic Melanoma on the Heart

Symptoms (4): Change in color, shape, or size of a mole Mole with asymmetrical border

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Melanoma Examples ©http: //content. revolutionhealth. com/contentimages/h 9991258. jpg

Normal Melanocytes

Melanoma

Malignant melanocytes huddle together to form “nests”

Abnormal nuclei

Melanoma