Treatment of Field Cancerization: Beyond Topical Agents

Authors

  • Toni Burbidge, MD Skin Health and Wellness Centre, Calgary, AB Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB

Abstract

Field cancerization (FC) is defined at the cellular level as the growth of a mutant clone that creates a field of cells predisposed to subsequent tumour growth. Cutaneous FC is a phenomenon that occurs in areas of the skin exposed to chronic ultraviolet radiation (UVR), including the face, balding scalp, forearms, and dorsal hands. This then leads to fields of clonal proliferations of p53-mutated keratinocytes and is characterized by multifocal actinic keratoses (AK), squamous cell carcinomas in situ (SCCis), and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (CSCC). Risk factors for FC are similar to those for AKs and CSCCs, including exposure to UVR, lighter skin types, increasing age, male sex, and immunosuppression. Topical therapies for FC were previously discussed in a previous article in this journal. This review will therefore focus on field ablation treatment options and oral medications.

Author Biography

Toni Burbidge, MD, Skin Health and Wellness Centre, Calgary, AB Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB

Dr. Toni Burbidge is a is a dermatologist based in Calgary, Alberta where she practices medical and surgical dermatology. She is board-certified in both Canada and the United States. She completed her medical degree at the University of Toronto, and dermatology residency at the University of Calgary. She has a special interest in cutaneous oncology and is involved in melanoma research with the multi-disciplinary Cutaneous Oncology team at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary. She also teaches medical residents and other learners in her affiliation with the University of Calgary as a clinical lecturer.

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Published

2023-12-18

How to Cite

1.
Burbidge T. Treatment of Field Cancerization: Beyond Topical Agents. Can Dermatol Today [Internet]. 2023 Dec. 18 [cited 2024 May 20];4(4):10-4. Available from: https://canadiandermatologytoday.com/article/view/4-4-burbidge

Issue

Volume 4, Issue 4, December 2023

Section

Articles