Skin Cancer: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Management

Skin cancer is of three main types, squamous-cell skin cancer, basal-cell skin cancer and melanoma. Basal-cell cancer grows slowly and damages the tissue around it but is not lethal. Squamous-cell skin cancer can spread to other body parts. It is characterized by a hard lump with a scaly top. Melanomas are the most aggressive cancers and may present themselves as a mole, which changes shape, size, color, are itchy or bleeds. The use of sunscreens and decreasing exposure to ultraviolet radiation are effective means of preventing squamous-cell skin cancer and melanoma. Apart from a standard biopsy and histopathological examination, imaging techniques like dermoscopy, sonography, Raman spectroscopy, etc. also aid in the diagnosis of skin cancer. A surgical procedure called Mohs’ micrographic surgery is used to remove skin cancer with little damage to the surrounding tissues. Biologic immunotherapy agents, MEK inhibitor and BRAF inhibitors may be used for metastatic melanoma. The objective of this book is to give a general view of the different forms of skin cancer, their pathophysiology, and diagnostic and management techniques. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. Coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of examples make this book an invaluable source of knowledge.