Skin cancer, non-melanoma, childhood

Overview

Nonmelanoma skin cancer in children is similar to the disease in adults except that it often progresses more quickly among the young. The increased cases of skin cancer around the world have been labeled an epidemic by some experts.

Diagnosis

Children who have nonmelanoma skin cancer may have atypical moles, which may include raised lumps that can bleed. Generally they are harmless but should be checked if they show any of the following ABCDEs of moles:

Asymmetry – the halves of the mole do not match

Border – the edges are jagged and uneven

Colour – varieties of colors with various shades of brown, black, red white or blue

Diameter – usually larger than a pencil eraser (1/4 inch or 6 millimeters)

Elevation or Evolving – the mole is raised above the skin and has a rough surface, or is changing shape, size or colour. It begins itching or bleeding.

A biopsy is the only way to confirm the presence of cancer. For nonmelanoma skin cancer it can be done under a local anesthetic.

Treatment

Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are usually curable with surgery alone. These “resections” don’t usually require hospitalization and can often be done in a doctor’s office or as an outpatient procedure. The cancer is removed, along with the “margins” or healthy skin bordering the tumour. Today’s techniques require the removal of less skin than in the past.