Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical and histologic subtypes, pathophysiology, recognition, and treatment options for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, and the molecular biology of sunlight-induced carcinogenesis.


METHODS
Journal and review articles, research studies, textbooks, and clinical practice.


CONCLUSIONS
Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma will occur in more than one million cases annually in the United States, and are highly curable when detected and treated early. During the last decade, significant progress has been made in elucidating the molecular basis of skin carcinogenesis and in identifying newer approaches for the management and treatment of these keratinocyte cancers.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses can play crucial roles in decreasing the morbidity and mortality from the skin cancer epidemic by identifying and referring patients with lesions suspicious for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
Vargo
Nancy
N
Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Dr, Portland, OR 97201-3098, USA.
D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003452:Cryosurgery; D004598:Electrosurgery; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D008967:Molecular Biology; D024802:Nurse's Role; D011878:Radiotherapy; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D013472:Sunlight; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology