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Clinical Update: Skin Cancer

Skin cancer results from abnormal growth of skin cells. The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is skin cancer that forms in the epidermis, squamous cell carcinoma forms in the squamous cells of the skin, and malignant melanoma is skin cancer that forms in the melanocytes.

Excessive exposure to natural and artificial sunlight is the most common cause of any of these skin cancer types. The specific signs and symptoms of skin cancer vary by type; however any change in the skin or growth on the skin is a potential warning sign. Careful examination and biopsy are indicated for diagnosis. Treatment also varies by the type of skin cancer, but could include:

• immunotherapy
• cryosurgery
• surgery
• photodynamic therapy
• chemotherapy
• radiation.

For more news and articles related to skin cancer, visit Clinical Update: Skin Cancer Prevention and Clinical Update: Malignant Melanoma.

This Just In

• From the CDC...High-risk behaviors for skin cancer common among young adults (5/11/12)

• From the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology...Basal cell carcinoma on the ear is more likely to be of an aggressive phenotype in both men and women (May 2012)

• From the Archives of Dermatology...Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Surgical Excision for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Treatment in the Medicare Population (April 2012)

• From the Journal of Clinical Oncology…Dose-Response Link Between Tanning Bed Use, Skin Cancer (2/27/12)

From Our Journals

Expect a Miracle
Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association
February 2012

Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: Part 2
Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association
November/December 2011

Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: Part 1
Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association
September/October 2011

 Reconstruction Department: Mohs Micrographic Surgery: Reconstruction and Nursing Considerations for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers 
Plastic Surgical Nursing 
September 2011

 Indoor Tanning, Skin Cancer, and Tanorexia Development of U.S. Indoor Tanning Policy 
Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association 
May/June 2010 

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Review of Etiology, Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Variants
Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association
January/February 2010

CASE REPORT: Basal Cell Carcinoma Presenting as a Nonhealing Wound
Advances in Skin & Wound Care: The Journal for Prevention and Healing
August 2009

A Review of Merkel Cell Carcinoma for Dermatology Nurses
Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association
May/June 2009

Awareness of Skin Self-Assessment as an Early Detection Tool for Skin Cancer
Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association
March/April 2009

Skin cancer: More than skin deep
The Nurse Practitioner: The American Journal of Primary Health Care
April 2009

HEALTHIER AGING: Taking a closer look for skin cancer
Nursing2008
October 2008

Identifying skin cancers
LPN2008
July/August 2008

On The Web

The Skin Cancer Foundation
American Academy of Dermatology
National Cancer Institute