 |
|
|
|
Tumours of the Skin |
Back to Library |
Keratinocyte-derived tumours of the epidermis
are of two main types: basal-cell carcinoma and squamous-cell carcinoma
Both basal-cell carcinoma and squamous-cell carcinoma are predisposed to by
exposure to light and ionizing radiations, and are therefore most commonly seen
in exposed areas such as the head and neck, and the dorsum of the hands. Both
types of tumour arise most frequently in the elderly, and multiple lesions are
not uncommon.
Basal-cell carcinoma, which occurs in three main patterns, is a locally invasive
tumour that does not metastasize
The three main patterns are nodular basal-cell carcinoma, morphoeic basal-cell
carcinoma, and superficial basal-cell carcinoma.
Nodular basal-cell carcinoma is the most common pattern, occurring most
frequently in those over the age of 50 years. Arising on areas exposed to light,
such as the face and forehead, it is relatively rare on the trunk and limbs. It
presents as a firm, raised nodule, often showing central ulceration, with a
raised, pearly edge, which may show numerous telangiectatic vessels. It is
composed of clusters of small, dark cells resembling those of the basal layer of
the epidermis. The edge of each cluster often shows a regular palisaded pattern.
In the larger more protuberant lesions, cystic change is frequently seen.
Morphoeic basal-cell carcinoma appears as a flat, thickened, whitish or
yellowish plaque, which may be sunken and firm, with focal areas of ulceration.
In contrast to nodular basal-cell carcinoma, it has indistinct edges and the
tumour may extend in the dermis or some way beyond the visible or palpable
borders. Histologically, small clumps and cords of basal cells are separated by
a dense fibrous stroma.
Superficial basal-cell carcinoma usually appears as a flat, red plaque, often
with an irregular edge. It is most common on the face, but this variant can
occur on the trunk. Sometimes there are raised areas within the tumour,
representing the development of a nodular basal-cell carcinoma within the
pre-existing superficial lesion. Histologically, there are usually many small
buds or nodular downgrowths of basal cells from the overlying epidermis. This
superficial pattern may be multifocal, e.g. occurring in the irradiation field
over the vertebrae in patients previously given radiotherapy for ankylosing
spondylitis.
Invasive squamous carcinoma of the skin may arise in pre-existing epidermal
dysplastic lesions
Two patterns of intraepidermal dysplasia are recognized. One is actinic
keratosis (also known as solar keratosis), which occurs most commonly on the
face, scalp and backs of the hands (i.e. light-exposed skin). It arises as
irregular plaques or patches (frequently multiple), up to 1 cm in diameter, with
a rough, hard hyperkeratotic surface. Histologically the cells in the lower half
of the epidermis show marked dysplasia and atypia.
The other pattern shows epidermal atypia, with pleomorphism and mitoses,
throughout all layers of the epidermis to the surface. This is regarded as
squamous carcinoma in situ (intraepidermal carcinoma) and, like actinic
keratoses, occurs on light-exposed skin, but may also occur on skin that is
normally covered, e.g. on the trunk.
Clinically, lesions appear as flat or raised reddish brown plaques, sometimes
with surface keratinous scale, and occasionally with focal ulceration.
The incidence of malignant invasive change supervening in intraepidermal
carcinoma is very much greater than that in actinic keratoses. Most squamous
carcinomas of the skin are locally invasive and well-differentiated, with the
formation of keratin nests; occasionally, poorly differentiated non-keratinizing
squamous carcinoma can develop in an area of pre-existing intraepidermal
carcinoma. Invasive squamous carcinoma. unlike basal-cell carcinoma, has the
potential for metastasis, usually metastasizing to regional lymph nodes
initially.
One variant of invasive squamous carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, is particularly
common on the vulva in elderly women, presenting as a well-differentiated,
exophytic, cauliflower-like lesion. This tumour grows locally, rarely
metastasizing.
Melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis are an important source of
tumour-like hamartomas (naevi) and invasive malignant tumours (malignant
melanoma)
Melanocytic naevi (commonly known as 'moles') are extremely common and most
individuals have a few somewhere on the skin, some people having very large
numbers. They are regarded as hamartomatous malformations, and five main
patterns are recognized.
In junctional naevus, the abnormal clumps of melanocytes are confined to the
epidermis and are located in the basal layer. Clinically the lesions are flat
(macular) and uniformly and deeply pigmented. They usually develop in childhood
and adolescence.
Compound naevi are raised, pale brown, slightly nodular lesions with an
irregular surface, but the pigmentation is uniform. They are most common in
adolescents and young adults. Histologically, there are clumps of melanocytes in
both the epidermis (similar to those seen in junctional naevus) and the upper
dermis.
Those intradermal naevus cells that are closest to the junctional nests are
histologically similar to the intraepidermal naevus cells. However, in the
deeper levels they are smaller and more compact, a feature that is said to
indicate maturation of the naevus cells. It is believed that the natural history
of intraepidermal junctional naevus cells is for them to drop into the dermis
and to become smaller and more compact the longer they have been in the dermis.
It is not uncommon for coarse hairs to emerge from compound naevi (hairy mole).
Intradermal naevi are also raised, but are normally smoothly domed, and may be
flesh-coloured or slightly brown. They are usually seen in adults and are rare
in adolescents and children. They appear to be entirely composed of naevus cells
within the dermis, and there is no nested junctional component, although there
may be a slight increase in melanocytes in the basal layer.
Lentigo maligna is a pattern of junctional melanocyte proliferation affecting
the faces of the elderly
Clinically the lesions appear as flat, variegated, brown-black areas of
pigmentation on the faces of elderly men and women. They gradually increase in
size and have an irregular outline. Histologically the basal layer of the
epidermis is largely replaced by an almost continuous line of large atypical
melanocytes, which sometimes partially extend down skin appendages such as hair
follicles. Occasionally a solid, raised nodule arises within such an area, often
indicating the development of a supervening early nodular malignant melanoma (lentigo
maligna melanoma).
Malignant melanomas of the skin present as irregular pigmented lesions
Compared to benign pigmented melanocytic lesions, malignant melanomas are often
larger (with a history of recent increase in size), with an irregular border
leading to asymmetry, and variable pigmentation. Ulceration may be present. Some
forms are flat, others manifesting as raised nodular lesions.
Malignant melanomas can be classified into three main groups:
1 Lentigo malignant melanoma. A nodular lesion arising in a pre-existing facial
lentigo maligna.
2 Superficial spreading malignant melanoma. Usually a flat lesion with variable
pigmentation and irregular edges. This is the most common type, accounting for
about 75% of all malignant melanomas; it is in this group that the recent
increase in incidence has
been most marked.
3 Nodular malignant melanoma. Presents as a raised brown-black nodule, usually
without preceding benign melanocytic lesion. These account for about 5% of all
malignant melanomas.
A further group that is worth recognizing is the so-called acral lentiginous
malignant melanoma. This is confined to the hands and feet, the sole of the foot
being an important site, and some occur beneath the fingernails and toenails
(sub-ungual melanoma). Although it is most common in elderly Caucasians, it is
particularly common in Orientals. Histologically it resembles superficial
spreading malignant melanoma.
Superficial spreading malignant melanoma may either be in situ or invasive
In superficial spreading malignant melanoma in situ, the atypical melanocytes
are confined to the epidermis. In contrast, with invasive superficial spreading
malignant melanoma, in addition to the in situ change, clusters of malignant
melanocytes invade the dermis. In the invasive type, the prognosis largely
depends on the depth of dermal invasion (see blue box). In most cases, at the
time of excision biopsy to establish the diagnosis, the invasion is very
superficial; the prognosis is good for these tumours if they are adequately
excised. |
|
|
Interested in translating health topics to somali language! |
|
|
|
|
We give here simplified and accurate information about the disease
Info@somalidoc.com |
DISCLAIMER: This website is provided for
general information and it's run by medical students for medical students only
and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. We are not responsible
or liable for any diagnosis or action made by a user based on the content of
this website. We are not liable for the contents of any external websites
listed, nor do we endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised
on any of the sites. Always consult your own doctor if you are in any way
concerned about your health |
