Skin Tumors

Types of Skin Tumors

There are 4 types of skin tumours.

Benign Skin Tumors

Benign Tumors are very common, much more so than the other types. They are usually symptomless; only few produce itching (keloids), pain (neuromas, neurofibromas) and pressure symptoms. Treatment may be necessary for cosmetic reasons. Benign Tumors, however, rarely become malignant.

Malignant Skin Tumors

The skin being a superficial structure, has the advantage of showing up the beginning of a cancer, making it apparent at an early stage, only if, due attention is given to the examination of the skin lesions. Patients must be educated to seek dermatological advice for all lumps, bumps and ulcers of the skin that tend to grow fast or to destroy the skin.

Skin cancers originate from the epidermis; malignant tumors of the dermal appendages are very rare. A single injury or insult to the skin may determine the development of carcinoma; though long, continued exposure to irritation is the more potent cause. A combination of irritant effects is more carcinogenic than a single agent; hence trauma to a scar or mole, X-rays to lupus vulgaris and other similar combinations must be avoided.

Malignant tumors are characterized by local destruction, infiltrative growths, and recurrence after removal and tendency to local or distant metastases.

SARCOMA OF THE SKIN

It is rather a rare, malignant cutaneous neoplasm. Primary sarcoma can be of various types: lymphosarcoma, reticulum cell sarcoma, melanosarcoma from blue naevus, angiosarcoma etc. Secondary sarcomas develop by extension from primary, systemic ones. A primary sarcoma usually starts as a purplish, smooth and firm nodule which grows slowly, terminating in ulceration or a fungoid growth. The histopathology helps in establishing the diagnosis. Surgical removal is the treatment of choice.

RETICULOSES

This is the group name given to malignant conditions arising from the reticulo-endothelial tissues. They include many systemic diseases of the leukemia group; others may affect the skin only. The etiology remains unknown. According to Semenov, chronic dermatoses may get transformed into reticuloses. Parapsoriasis can be a premycotic condition. Histologically, they are either monomorphous or polymorphous. In the practice of dermatology, the latter group is more important, comprising mycosis fungoides and Hodgkin's disease.

Cystic Tumors

Congenital

• Dermoid cyst
• Pilonidal cyst
• Benign cystic epithelioma (Epithelioma adenoides cysticum)
• Syringoma (Hidradenomes eruptifis)

Acquired

• Traumatic or implantation cyst - It is formed by accidental implantation of epidermis in the underlying tissue after injury. Common sites are the fingers and hands. A cystic growth develops. The course is progressive. It is painless, at least in the early stages. Treatment is surgical excision.
• Sebaceous cyst
• Milium
• Mucous cyst
• Hydrocystoma