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Related Concept Videos

Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Pigmentation01:19

Pigmentation

The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
What is Cancer?02:12

What is Cancer?

Cells and tissues must meticulously coordinate their activities for the normal functioning of the human body. Therefore, they exhibit socially responsible behavior - resting, growing, dividing, differentiating, or dying - for the organism’s benefit. Cancer arises when cells divide uncontrollably and invade other tissues or organs.
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of patients who died from...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Combining Reflectance Confocal Microscopy with Optical Coherence Tomography for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Skin Cancers via Image Acquisition
09:37

Combining Reflectance Confocal Microscopy with Optical Coherence Tomography for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Skin Cancers via Image Acquisition

Published on: August 18, 2022

Skin Cancer: Diagnosis.

Michelle Nelson1, Remi K Hamel2, Jennifer Nash3

  • 1Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing.

FP Essentials
|May 21, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Family physicians are key in early skin cancer detection. Dermoscopy and advanced imaging improve accuracy, while biopsy techniques vary for nonmelanoma skin cancers, with specific methods recommended for melanoma.

More Related Videos

Quantitative Visualization and Detection of Skin Cancer Using Dynamic Thermal Imaging
06:08

Quantitative Visualization and Detection of Skin Cancer Using Dynamic Thermal Imaging

Published on: May 5, 2011

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 23, 2026

Combining Reflectance Confocal Microscopy with Optical Coherence Tomography for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Skin Cancers via Image Acquisition
09:37

Combining Reflectance Confocal Microscopy with Optical Coherence Tomography for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Skin Cancers via Image Acquisition

Published on: August 18, 2022

Quantitative Visualization and Detection of Skin Cancer Using Dynamic Thermal Imaging
06:08

Quantitative Visualization and Detection of Skin Cancer Using Dynamic Thermal Imaging

Published on: May 5, 2011

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Oncology
  • Primary Care Medicine

Background:

  • Family physicians are crucial for the initial detection of skin cancers.
  • Visual inspection is the first step, but dermoscopy significantly enhances diagnostic accuracy for melanoma and basal cell carcinoma.
  • Advanced imaging technologies offer further improvements but are typically limited to specialized settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the role of family physicians in skin cancer detection.
  • To discuss the utility of various diagnostic tools, including dermoscopy and advanced imaging.
  • To review biopsy techniques for definitive diagnosis and management strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on skin cancer detection and diagnosis in primary care.
  • Analysis of the effectiveness of visual inspection, dermoscopy, and advanced imaging.
  • Comparison of different biopsy techniques for nonmelanoma skin cancers and melanoma.

Main Results:

  • Dermoscopy substantially increases diagnostic accuracy compared to visual inspection alone.
  • Biopsy is essential for definitive diagnosis; technique selection depends on lesion characteristics and clinical judgment.
  • Specific biopsy guidelines exist for melanoma, emphasizing excisional biopsy with appropriate margins.

Conclusions:

  • Family physicians require tools and knowledge to effectively detect and manage skin cancers.
  • Referral to dermatology is warranted when biopsy is not feasible or suspicion remains high despite benign histology.
  • Accurate diagnosis and appropriate biopsy techniques are vital for optimal patient outcomes in skin cancer management.