 Neoplasms or tumors can be classified as benign or malignant  Benign = noncancerous  Malignant = cancerous

Examples of Benign or Noncancerous Tumors

Dermatofibroma – fibrous tumor; painless, round, firm, red

Hemangioma – benign tumor of dilated blood vessels

Keloid – scar formed after surgery or injury; raised, thickened area

 There are many different types of skin cancer such as: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma

 Skin cancer usually develops from a mole or nevus (a growth or mark on the skin)  However that mole or mark changes in color, size, shape, or texture  Bleeding or itching of a mole can also indicate skin cancer

Causes of Skin Cancer  Exposure to sun  Prolonged use of tanning beds  Irritating chemicals  radiation

Treatment of Skin Cancer  Skin cancer is usually treated by surgical removal and/or radiation

Basal Cell Carcinoma  Tumor of the basal cell layer of the epidermis  Common type of skin cancer that rarely metastasizes (spreads)  Usually caused by sun exposure

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma  Epidermal cancer that may go into deeper tissue but does not generally metastasize

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Malignant Melanoma  Dangerous form of skin cancer caused by an overgrowth of melanin. May metastasize.

Malignant Melanoma

Kaposi’s Sarcoma  Form of skin cancer frequently seen in AIDS patients.  Brownish purple pustules that spread from the skin and metastasize to internal organs  Named for Moritz Kaposi – Austrian dermatologist