Childhood Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
About the disease
Nonmelanoma skin cancer in children is similar to the disease in adults except that it often progresses more quickly among the young. The increased cases of skin cancer around the world have been labeled an epidemic by some experts.
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. Basal cells line the deepest layer of the epidermis. Abnormal growths can appear on parts of the body that have been exposed to the sun: mostly on the face and neck but also on the arms and legs.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer and affects the cells that make up most of the epidermis. Squamous skin cancer can grow quickly over a few weeks, and can be especially aggressive when it occurs on the rim on the ear or lip.
About ten Alberta children under the age of 14 are diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancer every year.
Risk factors
Risk factors are determined by analyzing the numbers of patients with cancer in a larger population and trying to find differences in the characteristics or behaviors between those individuals who develop cancer and those who do not. The Alberta Cancer Board’s Tomorrow Project, for instance, is tracking more than 50,000 Albertans over a fifty-year period to learn more about who develops cancer and why.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, through sunlight or other sources such as tanning beds, is the most common risk factor for any type of skin cancer. The skin is also more vulnerable where it has been damaged by burns, scars or sores.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer include:
- Race – more common among whites
- More common among those with light hair, blue eyes and pale skin
- More common among those who tan poorly
- Exposure to chemical carcinogens (gasoline, arsenic)
- Exposure to radiation
- Immune system diseases or organ transplant patients
- Gender – more common among males
- Medical history – having skin cancer once increases the chances of getting it again
Factors that may decrease the risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer include:
- Reduced exposure to the sun
- Using sun screen
- Darker skin tone
Genetic link
The risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer increases with children who have hereditary immunodeficiencies.
Detection and diagnosis
Children who have nonmelanoma skin cancer may have atypical moles, which may include raised lumps that can bleed. Generally they are harmless but should be checked if they show any of the following ABCDEs of moles:
Asymmetry – the halves of the mole do not match
Border – the edges are jagged and uneven
Colour – varieties of colors with various shades of brown, black, red white or blue
Diameter – usually larger than a pencil eraser (1/4 inch or 6 millimeters)
Elevation or Evolving – the mole is raised above the skin and has a rough surface, or is changing shape, size or colour. It begins itching or bleeding.
A biopsy is the only way to confirm the presence of cancer. For nonmelanoma skin cancer it can be done under a local anesthetic.
Treatment
Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are usually curable with surgery alone. These “resections” don’t usually require hospitalization and can often be done in a doctor’s office or as an outpatient procedure. The cancer is removed, along with the “margins” or healthy skin bordering the tumour. Today’s techniques require the removal of less skin than in the past.
Links:
Childhood Cancer Foundation
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (U.S.) guide to treatment decisions with links to other sites
National (U.S.) Cancer Institute guide to childhood cancers
Public Health Agency of Canada, government resource guide to further information
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, with links to Childhood Cancer organizations
Childhood Cancer Net (U.S.), with links to support groups and research information
The Canadian Dermatology Association
Factors affecting prognosis
Unlike melanoma, nonmelanoma skin cancer usually does not spread to other parts of the body. Most children can be cured, but in a small number of cases, less than three per cent, the cancer can spread with deadly results.
Children can experience “late effects” from cancer treatment for years after it ends. For information:
National (U.S.) Cancer Institute
Learn more
Support for childhood nonmelanoma skin cancer and their families
- Psychosocial and spiritual support, Edmonton,
Cross Cancer Institute
- Phone: (780) 432-8703 or 8704
- Psychosocial and spiritual support, Calgary,
Holy Cross site of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre
- Compassion House
How you can help
Other Resources
Canadian Cancer Society
Child Cancer Net
