Skin cancers are malignancies arising from cells of the skin, most often as a consequence of cumulative or intense ultraviolet radiation exposure that damages cellular DNA. The principal types are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, together termed keratinocyte or non-melanoma skin cancers, and melanom…
Skin cancers are malignancies arising from cells of the skin, most often as a consequence of cumulative or intense ultraviolet radiation exposure that damages cellular DNA. The principal types are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, together termed keratinocyte or non-melanoma skin cancers, and melanoma, which arises from pigment-producing melanocytes and carries the greatest risk of metastasis. Basal cell carcinoma is typically slow-growing and locally invasive, squamous cell carcinoma can arise from precancerous actinic keratoses and has a higher metastatic potential, and melanoma is the most aggressive form. Risk factors include ultraviolet exposure, fair skin, immunosuppression, certain medications, and genetic predisposition. Clinical presentations vary from shiny nodules and scaly or ulcerated plaques to changing pigmented lesions, and diagnosis rests on clinical and dermoscopic examination confirmed by histopathology. Management depends on tumor type, size, location, and stage, encompassing surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, cryotherapy, topical agents, laser-based and field treatments for superficial lesions and actinic keratoses, radiotherapy, and, for advanced disease, targeted and immune therapies. Prevention emphasizes sun protection, and accurate quantification of photoprotection through measures such as sun protection factor supports risk reduction. Early detection and treatment substantially improve outcomes, underscoring the importance of surveillance in dermatologic practice.
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