Epidermal Tumours

Abstract

The main carcinomas arising from the epidermis and the principle premalignant epidermal lesions are described. The major risk factor for all these lesions is solar ultraviolet radiation. Premalignant lesions are actinic keratosis (AK) which can transform into invasive lesions over time, and therefore must be treated either using destructive methods or with topical treatment. Malignant tumours arising in the epidermis include basal cell carcinoma (BBC) and epidermoid carcinoma (EC). BBC is the most common skin tumour. It does not usually cause distant metastases, but it is locally destructive. EC does carry the risk of systemic spread and metastasis in internal organs. In both cases, the treatment of choice is surgical removal. Other procedures can be used if surgery is contraindicated, such as radiotherapy or topical treatments.