Skin Pathology

A number of conditions affect the skin, including rashes and acne, which are relatively harmless. The most serious disease affecting the skin is skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer [6]. There are two types of skin cancer: non-melanoma and malignant melanoma.

Non-melanoma Skin Cancer:

• The most common type of skin cancer, non-melanoma is cancer of the basal or squamous cells of the skin. Basal cell cancers are the result of UV damage to basal cells [7]. They have shiny or pearly surfaces [6]. Squamous cell cancers have numerous causes and affect the skin's squamous epithelial cells. They have reddish, scaly surfaces. Non-melanoma cancers are unlikely to metastasize (i.e. spread throughout the body) [6].

Malignant Melanoma Skin Cancer:

• Malignant melanoma is cancer of the melanocytes, melanin-producing cells in the skin. This cancer is also caused by damaging UV radiation, which stimulates melanin production and the clustering of melanocytes, forming moles. Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer [8].

The successful treatment rate of skin cancer is generally very high, due to programs aimed at prevention and early detection. The "ABCD's" of skin cancer is a guideline allowing the identification of irregular, suspicious moles (see Figure 6). Through the use of such educational techniques, it may be possible to increase the chance of a successful recovery from skin cancer [9].

Fig. 6: The ABCD's of skin cancer.

(from http://www.revolutionhealth.com/conditions/skin/skin-care/your-health/melanoma-photos