Skin Neoplasias in Older Adults

John Kraft, HBSc, Medical Student, University of Toronto, ON.
Carrie Lynde, HBSc, Medical Student, University of Toronto, ON.
Charles Lynde, MD, FRCPC, Assistant Professor, Dermatology, University of Toronto, Toronto; Dermatology Consultant for Metropolitan Homes for the Aged in Toronto, Markham-Stouffville Hospital, and Scarborough Grace Hospital; Dermatologist, Dermatology Practice, Markham; Former President, Canadian Dermatology Association.

Skin neoplasias are more commonly seen in older patients. These skin diseases can frequently be more severe, particularly in long-term care residents. Common nonmelanoma skin cancers seen in these individuals include actinic keratoses, squamous cell carcinomas, and basal cell carcinomas. Benign neoplasias that are seen in older patients include seborrheic keratoses, skin tags, and classical Kaposi’s sarcoma. Treatment for neoplasias in the older adult are often not as aggressive as in younger patients.
Key words: actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, seborrheic keratosis, skin tag, classical Kaposi’s sarcoma.