By Elizabeth Flatley and Carolyn Heckman, PhD
A review of multiple scientific articles examined the distinct appearances and risk factors for three different types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma) in patients with skin of color. In the article, “patients with skin of color” refers to patients from “nonwhite racial and ethnic groups”. Although skin cancers are less common in individuals with skin of color as compared to white individuals, those with skin of color do develop skin cancer, which can be deadly or debilitating. Furthermore, patients with skin of color diagnosed with skin cancer tend to have worse health outcomes as compared to white patients with skin cancer. Physician and patient understanding of the unique features of skin cancers in patients with skin of color may improve health outcomes for these patients.
Basal cell carcinomas, which can be caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, are often misdiagnosed in Black, Hispanic, and Asian individuals because these cancers are more likely to have a pigmented appearance in patients with skin of color, thus blending in with the skin and making them difficult to see. In Black and Asian individuals, squamous cell carcinoma is highly associated with scarring and inflammatory conditions. Scarring and inflammatory conditions may include chronic ulcers, burn scars, and chronic skin conditions. Furthermore, human papillomavirus (HPV) is potentially associated with squamous cell carcinoma development in Black and Hispanic individuals. Finally, although melanoma is overall less common in patients with skin of color, melanoma is more likely to spread and be deadly in these patients. These melanomas are likely to occur on acral areas of the body such as the palms, soles, and nailbeds.
In addition to more research relating to skin cancers in patients with skin of color, recognition of these distinctive risks and characteristics of skin cancers in patients with skin of color may improve prevention, detection, and cancer-related health outcomes. People with skin of color should protect their skin from the sun using shade, clothing, and sunscreen and see a healthcare provider to check new or changing spots on the skin.
Original article: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Cutaneous Melanoma in Skin of Color Patients
Source: Hogue L, Harvey VM. Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Cutaneous Melanoma in Skin of Color Patients. Dermatol Clin. 2019 Oct;37(4):519-526. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2019.05.009. PMID: 31466591.