This paper focuses on common skin lesions, helping to distinguish between benign, pre-malignant, and malignant lesions, and highlighting the importance of early diagnosis. To gain a complete understanding of this topic, including a closer look at different types of lesions, we encourage you to download the full paper.

Benign Skin Lesions

• Seborrheic keratosis: These are common, benign growths that usually appear after the age of 40. They can be rough, greasy, and vary in colour from light tan to black. They are often described as having a “stuck-on” appearance.
• Lentigo: Also known as age spots, these are benign, pigmented macules that appear in sun-exposed areas. They are caused by an increase in melanocytes and are often found on the face, hands, and forearms.
• Cherry angiomas: These are small, bright red papules that can appear anywhere on the body and are a common part of the ageing process.
• Dermatosis papulosa nigra: These are small, hyperpigmented papules that are more common in individuals with darker skin.

Pre-Malignant Skin Lesions

• Actinic keratosis (AK): These are considered pre-malignant, with a small risk of developing into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). They are usually found on sun-exposed skin and appear as rough, scaly patches. The size of the lesion and the degree of sun damage are important predictors of malignancy.

Malignant Skin Lesions

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common form of skin cancer. It is slow-growing and rarely metastasizes. It is often a pearly nodule with a rolled border and telangiectasias (spider veins).
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): This is the second most common form of skin cancer. It can present as a scaly, red patch or a firm nodule. SCC is more aggressive than BCC and has a higher risk of metastasis.
• Melanoma: This is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It can arise from a pre-existing mole or appear as a new lesion. The ABCD rule can be used to identify suspicious moles:
  • Asymmetry
  • Border irregularity
  • Colour variation
  • Diameter greater than 6mm

Download the full paper on skin lesions to learn more.