Skin Cancer - Clinical Medicine

Learn the essential concepts of skin cancer through this comprehensive clinical medicine lecture that covers the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, and management of major skin malignancies. Explore the fundamental biology of skin and cellular origins of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma while examining key risk factors including UV exposure, genetic predispositions, and environmental influences that drive malignant transformation. Master the hallmark clinical findings, growth patterns, and anatomical locations of non-melanoma skin cancers, including the role of actinic keratosis as a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma and critical diagnostic features that distinguish malignant from benign lesions. Dive deep into melanoma classification with detailed coverage of histologic subtypes, ABCDE criteria for identification, radial versus vertical growth patterns, and the prognostic significance of Breslow depth measurements. Develop clinical reasoning skills for recognizing worrisome lesion changes, approaching melanoma staging protocols, and implementing evidence-based treatment strategies for each cancer type. Gain practical knowledge of diagnostic approaches including biopsy techniques and imaging considerations, along with comprehensive treatment protocols ranging from surgical excision to advanced therapeutic interventions for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma management.