It refers to all kinds of skin cancer that are not identified as melanoma, the most common being basal cell carcinoma.
The treatment plan for non-melanoma skin cancer varies depending on the type of cancer, but in almost all cases surgical removal of the malformations and their respective malignant cells is necessary.
Classification of non-melanoma skin cancers:
Basal cell carcinoma:
It is generated in the basal cells, which are the ones that replace dead cells, appearing as a bulge with transparent areas in areas exposed to solar radiation such as the neck and head.
Squamous cell carcinoma:
It is another common type of skin cancer originating in the squamous cells of the skin tissue layers, due to excessive exposure to solar or artificial ultraviolet rays. It is usually not dangerous if diagnosed and treated promptly, but if it is not treated, it quickly spreads to different body areas, causing serious complications.
Angiosarcoma:
It is rare and develops in the lymphatic and blood vessels. Although it can appear in any body area, its highest incidence is in the head and neck, although it can deepen and damage the breasts or internal organs. It is usually treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as surgery.
Merkel cell carcinoma:
Also known as cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma, it is a rare, low-incidence variety that begins with a reddish or bluish bulge on the neck, face, and head. It usually affects older adults due to the accumulation of ultraviolet radiation over the years or when there is a depressed immune system. It usually metastasizes quickly.
Sebaceous carcinoma:
It affects the sebaceous glands, usually those found in the eyelids. It starts as a painless lump, then bleeds and produces pus. The indicated treatment is surgery to eliminate the lesion and the affected cells, preventing possible spread to other areas of the body.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans:
It is a rare variety that begins in the dermis cells as a bruise or scar that becomes bumps on the upper and lower limbs and the chest. It does not usually metastasize.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma:
It appears in white blood cells or T lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system to defend us from infections and pathogens, producing an anomaly that forces them to attack skin tissue, causing rashes and tumors. There are several subtypes of this cancer, so the treatment will depend on this, but in most cases phototherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are used.
Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma:
It appears in B-lymphocytes and is a rare form in which these cells begin to attack the skin, causing reddish or purplish bumps. There are several subtypes:
- Follicular center primary.
- Fringe zone primary.
- Diffuse of large B-cells of the leg.
- Diffuse of intravascular large B-cells.
