High-magnification polarized dermoscopy and rapid biopsy triage for melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and atypical nevi.
Skin cancer — the abnormal growth of skin cells — most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. But this common form of cancer can also occur on areas of your skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight.
There are three major types of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
Skin cancer occurs when errors (mutations) occur in the DNA of skin cells. The mutations cause the cells to grow out of control and form a mass of cancer cells.
Skin cancer begins in your skin’s top layer — the epidermis. The epidermis is a thin layer that provides a protective cover of skin cells that your body continually sheds. The epidermis contains three main types of cells:
Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation (multiple shades), Diameter > 6mm, and Evolving (changing size or shape).
Biopsies and removal of medically necessary, suspected pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions are covered under Alberta Health Care.