37 Comparison of Skin Cancer with Actinic Keratosis Actinic Basal Cell Squamous Cell Criteria Keratosis (AKs) Carcinoma (BCC) Carcinoma (SCC) Melanoma Appearance Size Location Progression Potential for Metastasis Prevalence Source: American Academy of Dermatology. (2006). Retrieved March 21, 2007, from www.aad.org/DermAZ/Uploads/DInfoAKChart.pdf. May appear as rough, scaly patches, crusts, or sores, typi- cally red 1/4 inch to 1 inch Face, scalp, neck, lips, ears, forearms, and back of hands Left untreated, can have potential to progress into squa- mous cell carcinoma If left untreated and becomes cancerous, can metastasize Affects more than 10 million Americans, and possibly more in Sun belt states ● Small, shiny bumps or nodules that are red, pink, or white ● Persistent non-heal- ing sore ● Reddish flat patch ● Scar-like white or yellowish area Takes many months or years to reach 1/2 inch Head, neck, hands, and occasionally on the trunk of the body (flat growths) Grows slowly and may bleed, crust over, then cycle repeats Rare, but can grow into nearby areas and may invade bone and vital struc- tures such as the eye Accounts for 80% of all skin cancers (ap- proximately 800,000 new cases) each year Red, scaly patches or bumps Can reach 3/4 inch to 1 inch Face, ears, neck, lips, and back of hands Can develop into large masses Can metastasize, and may be fatal if not treated Accounts for 16% of all skin cancers (ap- proximately 200,000 new cases) each year. More than 2,200 deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer are expected yearly. Asymmetrical, mot- tled patches with notched or blurred borders, typically in tan, brown, or black Usually greater than 1/4 inch or 6 millime- ters Can occur anywhere on the body, most frequently on upper back or legs, as well as the head and neck Can appear without warning may begin in or near a mole or other dark spot on skin Can metastasize deadly if not treated Accounts for 4% of all skin cancers (ap- proximately 54,200 new cases) each year