Carcinomas of the Skin

Carcinomas of the skin are malignant epidermal tumours. They are rare in children, but can potentially be lethal. Basal cell carcinoma (basal cell epithelioma) develops from basal cells of the epidermis or its appendages, whereas squamous cell carcinoma (epidermoid carcinoma) originates from keratinocytes. The term nonmelanoma skin cancer is often used in reference to basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Nonmelanoma skin cancer in childhood generally arises in the context of predisposing risk factors such as chronic immunosuppression or an associated genetic condition. Both skin surveillance and photoprotective measures are important in the management of at-risk individuals. Merkel cell carcinoma, sebaceous carcinoma and pilomatrix carcinoma are further cutaneous malignances and are exceedingly rare in children. The diagnosis of a skin carcinoma is established histopathologically, and surgical excision is the treatment of choice for children with these malignancies.