Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis
Published on: August 21, 2013
What's new in skin cancer? An analysis of guidelines and systematic reviews published in 2008-2009
A E Macbeth1, D J C Grindlay, H C Williams
1Department of Dermatology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK.
Abstract:
This review summarizes clinically important findings from 17 systematic reviews and 2 guidelines on skin cancer indexed between April 2008 and April 2009. Melanoma primary-prevention measures, such as education, are more likely to be successful in younger children than adolescents, and general population screening for melanoma by whole-body examination is not currently supported by the evidence. A large systematic review of melanoma and pregnancy concluded that pregnancy does not affect prognosis. Two systematic reviews imply that sunburn later in life also increases the risk of melanoma, and that it is just as important as sunburn early in life. Three systematic reviews discussed the role of positron emission tomography and sentinel lymph-node biopsy for melanoma staging, but produced conflicting results. Superior diagnostic accuracy of dermatoscopy over naked-eye examination for melanoma was found in one review, while a second implied nonsignificantly higher sensitivity of computer-based diagnostic methods over dermatoscopy for melanoma but with reduced specificity. There were no identified randomized controlled trials of treatments for unresectable recurrent melanoma, and a review of immunotherapy with vaccines for melanoma failed to prove improved overall and disease-free survival. Guidelines for the management of basal cell carcinoma call for risk stratification, based on numerous factors including tumour size, site and histological subtype. Squamous cell carcinoma of the ear has been shown to spread to regional lymph nodes more commonly than to other sites, and may be predicted by depth of invasion, tumour size, cellular differentiation and completeness of excision.
Insights
This review highlights that melanoma prevention is more effective in young children. While pregnancy doesn't impact melanoma prognosis, sunburn at any age increases risk, and current screening methods lack strong evidence.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, poses a significant health concern.
- Evidence-based guidelines and systematic reviews are crucial for informing clinical practice and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize recent clinical findings on skin cancer from systematic reviews and guidelines.
- To evaluate the efficacy of melanoma prevention strategies and diagnostic methods.
- To summarize current knowledge on the management and prognosis of various skin cancers.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and guideline analysis of literature indexed from April 2008 to April 2009.
- Inclusion of 17 systematic reviews and 2 clinical guidelines.
- Focus on melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Main Results:
- Melanoma primary prevention is more effective in younger children than adolescents; general population screening lacks evidence.
- Pregnancy does not adversely affect melanoma prognosis; sunburn increases melanoma risk regardless of age.
- Dermoscopy shows superior diagnostic accuracy for melanoma compared to naked-eye examination; conflicting results exist for positron emission tomography and sentinel lymph-node biopsy in melanoma staging.
- No randomized controlled trials for unresectable recurrent melanoma treatments were found; melanoma vaccine immunotherapy did not improve survival.
- Basal cell carcinoma management requires risk stratification; squamous cell carcinoma of the ear has higher lymph node metastasis risk predicted by specific factors.
Conclusions:
- Melanoma prevention strategies should target younger age groups.
- Sunburn is a significant risk factor for melanoma throughout life.
- Diagnostic tools like dermoscopy improve melanoma detection, but further research is needed for advanced staging and treatment modalities.
- Risk stratification is essential for managing basal cell carcinoma, and specific factors predict metastasis in ear squamous cell carcinoma.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
01:21Cancer Survival Analysis
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
02:59Cancer Prevention
Some...