Skin Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Cancer, including details on identification, causes, prevention, treatment.

Skin cancer in skin of color.

Gloster HM, Neal K

Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45242, USA. hgloster@yahoo.com

Skin cancer is less common in persons with skin of color than in light-skinned Caucasians but is often associated with greater morbidity and mortality. Thus, it is crucial that physicians become familiar with skin cancer in persons of color so as to maximize the likelihood of early detection of these tumors. In dark-skinned ethnic groups, squamous cell carcinoma is most common; squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma usually occur on nonsun-exposed sites; and ultraviolet radiation is not an important etiologic factor for skin cancer with the exception of basal cell carcinoma. Races of intermediate pigmentation, such as Hispanics and Asians, share epidemiologic and clinical features of dark-skinned ethnic groups and Caucasians. Skin cancers pose a significant risk in skin of color and clinicians should focus on preventive measures in these groups such as regular skin exams, self-examination, public education, and screening programs. LEARNING OBJECTIVE: At the completion of this learning activity, participants should be familiar with the epidemiology and unique clinical features of skin cancer in skin of color and be aware of strategies to prevent skin cancer in skin of color.

Published 20 October 2006 in J Am Acad Dermatol, 55(5): 741-60; quiz 761-4.
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