List of cutaneous conditions associated with increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer

Cutaneous conditions refer to various skin disorders or diseases that affect the skin's appearance, texture, or function. Nonmelanoma skin cancer is a type of skin cancer that develops in the basal cells or squamous cells of the skin. It is typically caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources, such as tanning beds.

List of Cutaneous Conditions

The following is a list of cutaneous conditions that have been associated with an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer:

• Actinic keratosis: Actinic keratosis is a precancerous condition characterized by rough, scaly patches on the skin. These patches are usually caused by long-term sun exposure and can progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
• Xeroderma pigmentosum: Xeroderma pigmentosum is a rare genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability to repair DNA damage caused by UV radiation. Individuals with this condition are highly susceptible to developing skin cancers, including nonmelanoma skin cancer, at an early age.
• Basal cell nevus syndrome: Basal cell nevus syndrome, also known as Gorlin syndrome, is an inherited condition characterized by the development of multiple basal cell carcinomas. People with this syndrome have a significantly increased risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer.
• Epidermodysplasia verruciformis: Epidermodysplasia verruciformis is a rare genetic disorder that makes individuals more susceptible to human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Persistent HPV infections can lead to the development of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
• Lichen sclerosus: Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the genital and anal areas. Although it is not directly linked to nonmelanoma skin cancer, individuals with lichen sclerosus may have an increased risk due to chronic inflammation and potential damage to the skin barrier.
• Immunosuppression: Immunosuppression refers to a weakened immune system, which can be caused by certain medications, diseases (e.g., HIV/AIDS), or organ transplantation. Immunosuppressed individuals have a higher risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer due to reduced immune surveillance against cancerous cells.

Prevention and Early Detection

Prevention and early detection are crucial in reducing the risk and impact of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Individuals with the aforementioned cutaneous conditions should take extra precautions, such as:

• Regularly applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF.
• Wearing protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts.
• Seeking shade during peak sun hours.
• Avoiding tanning beds and artificial sources of UV radiation.
• Conducting regular self-examinations of the skin and promptly reporting any suspicious lesions to a healthcare professional.

It is also important for individuals with these conditions to undergo regular skin cancer screenings by a dermatologist to detect any potential skin cancer at an early stage.

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