Skin Cancers and Lesions

Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer involving rapid and chaotic growth of melanocytes found in the epidermis of the skin . This process is triggered by a genetic transformation in the these cells either as a random occurrence or due to damage from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Normally, melanocytes are found in the basal layer of the epidermis and produce a protein called melanin.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is defined as the malignant proliferation of the basal cells in the epidermis and its appendages. This is the most common type of skin cancer (80% of skin cancers). Fortunately, this is the type of skin cancer that has the least propensity of metastasis. Both environmental and genetic factors contribute to the development of BCC. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight is the most important.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a cutaneous skin cancer arising from malignant proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Incidence of SCC have increased over the past 20 years probably due to high levels of sun exposure, tanning bed use, aging and early detection.

Seborrhoeic Keratosis

Seborrhoeic keratosis is a benign (non-cancerous) proliferation of squamous epidermal cells that is wart like on the skin. They are very commonly seen in elderly patients. They can have very similar morphology as other skin lesion that should be ruled out.

Moles (naevi)

Melanocytic naevi (moles) are common neoplasms that result from the proliferation of cutaneous melanocytes that grow in clusters on clumps. Melanocytic naevi (Moles) are benign proliferations of a type of melanocyte known as a “naevus cell.” However they can sometimes become malignant and require close monitoring.

Ephiledes (Freckles)

Freckles are small, tan to brown macule that can turn dark when exposed to sunlight.
Histopathologically, these lesions demonstrate increased epidermal melanin without increasing in melanocytes.

Lentigo

Lentigo are benign pigmented macules that result from increased activity of epidermal melanocytes. Lentigo like lesion can be benign or malignant, it is therefore important to rule out malignant lesions.

Dermatofibroma

Dermatofibromas are benign tumors of fibroblast and histiocytic origins in the dermis, often referred to as benign fibrous histiocytomas that can happen after trauma

Large Cell Acanthoma

Large cell acanthoma (LCA) also called Degos acanthoma is a benign tumor of the sebaceous gland that can often be confused with seborrhoeic keratosis or melanoma.

Lichenoid keratosis

Lichenoid keratosis is also known as Lichen planus-like Keratosis (LPLK) that present as small, solitary (90% of cases), brown macule or papule that can turn red and itchy . There is often an inflammatory component to it. Lichenoid keratosis are generally seen in fair-skinned patients aged 30 to 80 years old with a predilection for women than men.

Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis)

Actinic keratosis (AK) is also known as solar keratosis. This is a premalignant lesion that results from the proliferation of atypical epidermal keratinocytes.

Angioma

Angiomas are tumor of the blood vessels. The 2 angiomas that are commonly seen include: Strawberry angioma (infantile) and Cherry Angioma (senile angioma).