Basal Cell Cancer Research Articles

Statin use and risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer: a nationwide study in Denmark.

Background:Evidence is conflicting regarding statin use and risk of basal cell (BCC) and squamous cell skin cancer (SCC).Methods:Using Danish nationwide registries, we identified all patients with incident BCC/SCC during 2005–2009 and matched them to population controls. We computed odds ratios (ORs) for BCC and SCC associated with statin use.Results:We identified 38 484 cases of BCC and 3724 cases of SCC. Statin ever use was associated with ORs of 1.09 (CI: 1.06–1.13) for BCC and 1.01 (CI: 0.91–1.11) for SCC.Conclusions:Statin use was not associated with risk of SCC. Residual confounding plausibly explains the marginally increased risk of BCC.

CHARACTERIZACION OF SKIN CANCER WITH OPTO-MAGNETIC IMAGING SPECTROSCOPY

Melanoma is the most malignant skin cancer in human population due to late detection, high invasiveness and rapid infiltration. Besides melanoma, skin cancer includes Basal cell cancer (BCC), Squamous cell cancer (SCC), and other rare cancers like Mercel cell carcinoma and Langerhans cell carcinoma. The annual increase of melanoma patients in Serbia is 6%, while this number in the rest of the world varies between 5% and 7%. Various techniques are used to detect and differentiate skin cancers; these techniques differ in the principle of operation and detection efficiency. A novel method is an opto-magnetic imaging spectroscopy (OMIS) based on light-tissue interaction. In more details, this technique measures the difference between responses of the skin when it is illuminated with white or polarized light under normal incidence or under Brewster angle. Different skin responses can also be measured under a fixed incident angle of the blue and the violet light. In this study, OMIS is used for detection and differentiation between simple mole (naevus) and melanoma, and for differentiation between non-melanoma cancer and melanoma. Investigations have included 65 patients with whom different lesions were confirmed by dermoscopy and histopathology. It is shown that good agreement between the results of the OMIS method and histopathological diagnosis were obtained in the sample covering 97% of the patients. This demonstrates that OMIS method can be one of the diagnostic methods for detection and differentiation of skin lesions.

Polymorphisms in nucleotide excision repair genes and basal cell carcinoma of the skin.

Mutations in nucleotide excision repair (NER) genes are the cause of xeroderma pigmentosum, a genetic syndrome with proneness to basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may affect the effectiveness of DNA repair and hence influence individual susceptibility to a variety of neoplasms. The aim of this study was to find associations between SNPs in selected NER genes and sporadic BCC development. The study group consisted of 100 patients with histopathologically confirmed BCCs and the control group of 100 elderly individuals with no personal history of any cancer. DNA isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes was genotyped for seven SNPs in five different NER genes. Statistical analyses for associations were performed. A weak association between XPD exon 6 silent C/A polymorphism and BCC development risk was found when comparing single polymorphisms between the two groups. When considering sex and SNPs, men with the A-allele in XPC intron 11 C/A have been found to have a decreased risk of BCC. There is no consistency in association studies between SNPs and BCC susceptibility. SNPs in NER genes seem to have an insignificant influence on the risk of developing BCC of the skin.

Germline BAP1 mutations predispose also to multiple basal cell carcinomas.

The BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) gene encodes a nuclear deubiquitin enzyme which acts as a tumour suppressor. Loss of function germline mutations of BAP1 have been associated with an enhanced risk of uveal and cutaneous melanomas, mesothelioma, clear cell renal cancer and atypical cutaneous melanocytic proliferations. In two independent BAP1 families, we noticed an unusual frequency of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). Indeed, 19 BCCs were diagnosed in four patients, either of superficial (13/19) or nodular (6/19) subtype; they were all located in chronic sun-exposed areas (limbs, head or neck). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) identified in the 19 tumours, complete or partial loss of BAP1 protein nuclear expression, restricted to the BCC nests. A control study was conducted in 22 sporadic BCCs in 22 subjects under 65 without known associated BAP1 tumours: no loss of BAP1 expression was found. Overall, our observations suggest that BCCs are part of the BAP1 cancer syndrome, perhaps in relation with chronic sun exposure and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) variants. In conclusion, cutaneous follow-up of BAP1 carriers should not only aim to detect melanocytic neoplasms but also BCCs.

Frequency and features ofTP53mutation in 30 Chinese patients with sporadic basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a prevalent form of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Although numerous studies in white populations suggest that mutations in the TP53 gene play an important role in the development of BCC, it is not clear whether this is also the case in East Asian populations such as in China. To investigate the frequency and the features of TP53 mutation in sporadic BCC in a Chinese population. In total, 30 patients with sporadic BCC, who had previously taken part in a study on PTCH1 mutations, were enrolled. BCC and control cells were obtained by laser-capture microdissection, and DNA was amplified and sequenced for analysis of TP53 mutations. In the 30 BCC samples, 6 TP53 point mutations were found (frequency of 20%), and 4 of these 6 mutations had ultraviolet (UV)-specific alterations. Combining these results with those of the previous study on PTCH1 mutations, we found that two patients with had three types of genetic alterations (each had two PTCH1 mutations and one TP53 point mutation). A further two patients each had one PTCH1 mutation and one UV signature TP53 mutation. In addition, the total number of UV-specific mutations of PTCH1 and TP53 accounted for 20% of the total patient group. The incidence of TP53 mutation in BCC in our Chinese subjects was lower than that reported for white populations. Many of the patients carried mutations of other genes in addition to of TP53. The majority of TP53 mutations were UV-induced specific alterations. However, the results of the two studies on TP53 and PTCH1 indicated that the incidence of UV-specific mutations is much lower in Chinese than in white populations.

Treatment of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer with Different Radiation Techniques

ABSTRACT Aim: To compare local control and toxicity in non melanoma skin cancer treated with electrons and Leipzig applicators. Methods: We evaluated 60 patients (pts) with non melanoma skin cancer treated using electrons and Leipzig applicators (microselectron-HDR afterloader). The lesions were: 30 basal cell cancer, 17 squamous cell cancer, 10 basosquamous cell cancer, 1 dermatofibrosarcoma, 1 keloid, 1 histiocytoma fibrosus. Median age was 54 (25-84). The lesions were localized on head and neck, except 1 in the sternum and 1 in posterior part of knee. 49 pts underwent surgery before radiation treatment with negative margin in 38 pts and positive margins in 11. 30 pts were treated with electrons to a total dose 40 to 50 Gy (2Gy/fr). Electrons beam energy was selected based on delivering the treatment to the 90% isodose line, using bolus when required to superficialize the depth of the dose. 30 pts, considering the size and the depth of the lesions (0.5-3cm) were treated with Leipzig applicators using a dose of 40 Gy in 8 fractions twice a week for 4 weeks. Results: Median follow up was 12 months in each group. Electrons group report 30 complete remissions of tumor lesion. Leipzig group reports 26 complete remissions and 4 partial remissions including keloid. Recurrences appeared in 5 pts with lesion size larger than 2 cm or depth> 3mm. Tolerance to the treatment was good in each group with no difficulties in compliance but longer treatment is not well tolerate by elderly pts for positioning. Acute toxicity was similar in both groups, with a low or mild skin toxicity according RTOG toxicity scale. Conclusions: Our experience suggests both Leipzig and Electrons treatment are feasible and well tolerate with a good or excellent cosmetic results. Yet Leipzig technique with surface applicators of different diameters, although the radiation is hightly direct on lesion covering it completly, radiation may leak through the backside of the applicators having uncertainties of dosimetric distributions. So we consider Leipzig a good treatment in few selected pts with a very small and superficial skin lesions ( Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Common variants modify the age of onset for basal cell carcinomas in Gorlin syndrome.

Gorlin syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder, characterized by multiple early-onset basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and jaw keratocysts. Through association studies in cohorts of sporadic BCC, nine genetic variants have previously been identified to increase the risk of BCC. The nine SNPs were genotyped by Taqman allelic discrimination in 125 individuals with Gorlin syndrome. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional-Hazard regression analysis were applied to determine the association between genotypes and age of first BCC in individuals with Gorlin syndrome. The p.(Arg151Cys) variant in MC1R (rs1805007) was associated with an earlier median age of onset of BCC of 27 years (95% CI: 20-34) compared with 34 years (95% CI: 30-40) for wild-type individuals (hazard ratio (HR)=1.64, 95% CI: 1.04-2.58, P=0.034). The risk allele of the variant at the chromosome 5p15 locus encompassing TERT-CLPTM1L (rs401681) was also associated with an earlier median onset of BCC, 31 years (95% CI: 28-37) compared with 41 years (95% CI: 32-48, HR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.08-1.93, P=0.014). In individuals with a risk allele at either rs1805007 or rs401681 the median time to BCC was 31 years of age (95% CI: 28-34) compared with 44 years of age (95% CI: 38-53) in wild-type individuals (HR=2.48, 95% CI: 1.47-4.17, P=0.0002). Our findings may have implications for future personalized risk estimates and BCC screening strategies in individuals with Gorlin syndrome.

Advanced treatment for basal cell carcinomas.

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are very common epithelial cancers that depend on the Hedgehog pathway for tumor growth. Traditional therapies such as surgical excision are effective for most patients with sporadic BCC; however, better treatment options are needed for cosmetically sensitive or advanced and metastatic BCC. The first approved Hedgehog antagonist targeting the membrane receptor Smoothened, vismodegib, shows remarkable effectiveness on both syndromic and nonsyndromic BCCs. However, drug-resistant tumors frequently develop, illustrating the need for the development of next-generation Hedgehog antagonists targeting pathway components downstream from Smoothened. In this article, we will summarize available BCC treatment options and discuss the development of next-generation antagonists.

Effective Skin Cancer Prevention Methods for Young Adults (Aged 18–30 Years)

The incidence of skin cancer is on the rise despite increased awareness and knowledge. Young adults (aged 18–30 years) rank the lowest in preventative practices among the general population. The focus of this systematic review is to discuss the most effective prevention methods young adults can practice to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer. Current research has revealed that primary care counseling, sun protection, and avoidance of tanning beds are the most effective prevention methods. Primary care counseling provides an effective way to reduce incidences of skin cancer by instilling in young people the importance of regular clinical examination and self-examination. Primary care providers must reinforce the importance of appropriate lifestyle behaviors for reducing the risk of skin cancer, including comprehensive skin coverage and limited exposure to ultraviolet radiation. By avoiding tanning beds, young adults can reduce their risk of developing squamous cell cancer, basal cell cancer, and melanoma. Future research to reduce the incidences of skin cancer is essential to explore interventions and improve strategies to better alert young adults to the importance of risk prevention and the necessity for their compliance with current recommendations.

Here Comes the Sun: Addressing Skin Cancer

Laurel Halloran, PhD, APRN One in 5 Americans will develop nonmelanoma (basal cell or squamous cell) skin cancer in their lifetime, and 1 in 50 will develop melanoma by 2015. The risk of having skin cancer doubles the risk of having another type of cancer. Women with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer are at higher risk of developing leukemia, breast, kidney, and lung cancers, and men with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer. The combined estimated direct costs associated for the treatments of nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers in the United States in 2010 exceeded $3.85 billion. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers. Very young children who experience as few as 2 to 3 sunburns may have an increased risk of developing skin cancer later in life. The risk of developing skin cancer increases as one ages. The majority of lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 18, and skin cancer can take 20 years or more to develop. The recent increase in melanoma in white women under 44 years old (up 6.1% annually) has been attributed, in part, to trends in indoor tanning. Indoor tanning exposes users to both UVA and UVB rays. Using a tanning bed is particularly dangerous for younger users; people who begin tanning younger than age 35 years have a 59% higher risk of melanoma. Studies show that indoor tanning before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 59% to 79%, and tanning before the age of 25 increases nonmelanoma skin cancer risk from 40% to 100%. Thirty-five states and the District of Columbia have some type of age-restriction on tanning beds use. Say NO to teen tanning! Melanoma incidence rates in whites are 5 times higher than in Hispanics and 23 times higher than in blacks. However, all races are susceptible to developing the disease. Among blacks, melanomas occur mainly on body sites that are not pigmented, such as the palms of

Cancer Risk in Women With 10 or More Deliveries

To determine cancer incidence among Finnish women with 10 or more deliveries. Finnish women with at least 10 childbirths before December 31, 2010 (n=4,967) were identified from the Finnish Population Register and followed for cancer incidence through the Finnish Cancer Registry to the end of 2010. Cancer risks in this cohort were expressed as ratios between observed and expected numbers of cases (standardized incidence ratios), both drawn from the Finnish Cancer Registry, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Total cancer incidence was markedly lower than in the reference population (656 cases, standardized incidence ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.73-0.79). There was clearly less breast (0.44, 0.35-0.53), ovarian (0.49, 0.28-0.80), endometrial (0.31, 0.17-0.44), and basal cell skin cancer (0.72, 0.60-0.85) than in the reference population. The incidence of thyroid cancer (2.33, 1.59-3.29), lip cancer (2.87, 1.05-6.24), and uterine sarcoma (3.41, 1.47-6.72) was markedly increased. Women with 10 or more deliveries show a decreased overall cancer incidence as a result of decreased risks of cancers of the ovary, endometrium, and breast and basal cell carcinoma of the skin. The increased risks were observed in thyroid cancer and some rare cancer types.

Ultraviolet exposure and risk of melanoma and basal cell carcinoma in Ulm and Dresden, Germany

There is a perpetuating increase in melanoma and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) incidence in Europe. Few studies are evaluating various risk factors for both tumours. This pre-planned additional analysis directly compared occupational and past-time ultraviolet exposure behaviour, and examined the effects of sun sensitivity between melanoma and sporadic BCC, and assessed its importance for the two entities. The study included 503 patients (melanoma, n=291 and BCC, n=212), and 329 controls from Germany. In all, 244 (49%) of the cases and 165 (50%) of the controls were male (median age melanoma, 55years; BCC, 69years; and controls, 57years). Selection of important risk factors was performed by backward elimination in a polytomous logistic regression. When directly comparing melanoma and sporadic BCC, actinic elastosis (OR 48.83; 95% CI 17.87, 133.40) and site were associated with a higher risk of melanoma, whereas mountaineering in childhood, sunburn 20years before diagnosis, farming full time, sunbed use in general, seborrheic keratosis, actinic cheilitis, actinic keratosis and age were associated with a higher risk of sporadic BCC. Gardening 20years before melanoma, hair colour and solar lentigo were risk factors for both entities. A re-evaluation of the data excluding lentiginous melanoma entities (i.e. acro-lentiginous and lentigo-maligna melanoma) resulted in selection of the same factors. However, compared to controls, atopy evolved as a protective factor for melanoma (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.15, 0.57) and BCC (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.17, 0.99), respectively, but was associated with a higher risk of sporadic BCC compared to melanoma. The odds for having clinical actinic elastosis was lower in BCC compared to melanoma. In contrast, various factors associated with chronic UV exposure and age had higher odds for sporadic BCC, rather than melanoma. Further research is required to set the context for these findings, especially regarding, atopy in non-lentiginous vs. lentiginous forms of melanoma, and possible molecular pathways involved.

The Role of Vismodegib in the Management of Advanced Basal Cell Skin Cancers: A Review

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common occurring skin malignancy. Until recently, the treatment options for advanced BCC (locally advanced and metastatic BCC) and patients with Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome (BCNS) have been limited. However, the discovery of the Hedgehog (HH) pathway and its role in BCC has led to the development of a first-in-class systemic HH pathway inhibitor, vismodegib (GDC-0449, Erivedge), and has revolutionized the treatment of advanced BCC. In this review, we discuss the current progress on the role of vismodegib for the treatment of advanced BCC and important clinical questions on the mechanisms of vismodegib resistance.

Toll receptor agonist therapy of skin cancer and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

The use of agents which exhibit the ability to potently activate the innate immune response has gained significant interest as therapeutics to treat cancer. We will review the history and the current applications of these agents to treat skin cancer and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Particular attention has been focused upon Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, including imidazoquinolines, which can trigger TLR 7 and TLR 8, and cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) oligodeoxynucleotides, which activate TLR 9-expressing cells. Imiquimod, a TLR 7 agonist, has been found to be efficacious for basal cell and squamous cell cancers, as well as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and lentigo maligna melanoma. CpGs have demonstrated efficacy for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Additional more potent compounds, including resiquimod, are presently in clinical trials for several types of skin cancers. TLR agonists that can activate the innate immune response have been used to treat a variety of skin cancers including basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer, lentigo maligna melanoma and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Significant clinical efficacy has been observed for all of these conditions. It is anticipated that additional members of the TLR agonist family will be available in the clinic for the future treatment of skin cancers as well as other malignancies.

Tazarotene: Randomized, Double-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled, and Open-Label Concurrent Trials for Basal Cell Carcinoma Prevention and Therapy in Patients with Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome

Sporadic human basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are generally well managed with current surgical modalities. However, in the subset of high-risk patients predisposed to developing large numbers of BCCs, there is an unmet need for effective, low-morbidity chemoprevention. This population includes fair-skinned patients with extensive sun exposure and those with genodermatoses such as the basal cell nevus (Gorlin) syndrome (BCNS). Tazarotene (Tazorac, Allergan) is a topical retinoid with relative specificity for RAR-β and RAR-γ receptors. We previously demonstrated tazarotene's robust anti-BCC efficacy in Ptch1(+/-) mice, a murine equivalent of BCNS, and others have found it to have some efficacy against sporadic human BCCs. We report here results of a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study in patients with BCNS evaluating the efficacy of topically applied tazarotene for BCC chemoprevention (N = 34 subjects), along with an open-label trial evaluating tazarotene's efficacy for chemotherapy of BCC lesions (N = 36 subjects) for a maximum follow-up period of 3 years. We found that only 6% of patients had a chemopreventive response and that only 6% of treated BCC target lesions were clinically cured. Our studies provide no evidence for either chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic effect of tazarotene against BCCs in patients with BCNS.

Epigenetic alterations in sporadic basal cell carcinomas

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant human neoplasm characterized by slow growth and virtual absence of metastases. Recently, it has become evident that along with genetic mutations epigenetic alterations play a key role in the pathogenesis of human cancer. We searched for promoter methylation of hMLH1, RASSF1A, DAPK, APC, DCR1 and DCR2 genes and BRAF mutations in BCCs in association with the clinicopathological parameters and the histological subtypes of the tumours. Fifty-two BCCs, 17 FFPE along with 35 fresh tissue samples with matching normal tissues for 26 cases were analyzed by methylation-specific PCR to assess the methylation status of hMLH1, RASSF1A, DAPK, APC, DCR1 and DCR2 genes after sodium bisulfite treatment of the tumour and normal DNA. hMLH1 and DCR1 gene expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry. BRAF mutations were studied by high resolution melting analysis. Methylation was detected at a variable frequency of 44, 33, 32.5, 32 and 14 % of DCR2, APC, DCR1, RASSF1 and DAPK promoters, respectively, whereas methylation of hMLH1 promoter was absent. No BRAF mutations were found. There was no correlation between the frequency of the promoter methylation of the above-mentioned genes and the clinicopathological features or the histological subtypes of the tumours. The relatively high frequency of RASSF1A, DCR1, DCR2 and APC promoter methylation may imply that methylation constitutes an important pathway in the tumourigenesis of BCC that could provide new opportunities in developing epigenetic therapies for BCC patients. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to establish the above-mentioned hypothesis.

An Immunohistochemical Analysis of a Newly Developed, Mouse Monoclonal p40 (BC28) Antibody in Lung, Bladder, Skin, Breast, Prostate, and Head and Neck Cancers

Immunohistochemistry is important to the pathologist for accurate diagnosis of lung cancer. In recent studies, a rabbit polyclonal p40 (RPp40) antibody demonstrated equivalent staining versus anti-p63 in lung squamous cell carcinoma, and superior specificity because it stains a lesser percentage of lung adenocarcinoma. To develop an anti-p40 mouse monoclonal antibody (MMp40) for immunohistochemistry, and to evaluate its sensitivity and specificity in normal and neoplastic tissues, with emphasis on lung cancer. The MMp40 (BC28) antibody was developed and tested for specificity and sensitivity on normal (n = 34) and neoplastic tissues (n = 493). Staining of MMp40, p63, and RPp40 were directly compared in lung cancers, and MMp40 was evaluated in breast, bladder, skin, prostate, and head and neck cancers. Benign prostate glands and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia were also tested in a direct comparison of MMp40 versus p63. The MMp40 provided equivalent staining versus RPp40 and p63 in lung squamous cell carcinoma, but stained a lesser percentage of lung adenocarcinoma than p63 did. The MMp40 staining was observed in a greater percentage of urothelial carcinomas, squamous and basal cell skin cancers, and head and neck cancers of squamous cell origin. No breast-infiltrating ductal carcinomas or prostatic adenocarcinomas were stained. The MMp40 expression in basal cells of prostate glands and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia were almost identical to those of p63. The MMp40 (BC28) monoclonal antibody is a high-quality screening antibody for determining squamous cell carcinoma in lung cancers, skin cancers of squamous or basal cell origin, squamous cell head and neck cancers, and urothelial carcinomas.

Discovery and Exploitation of Novel Targets by Approved Drugs

Discovery and Exploitation of Novel Targets by Approved Drugs

Systematic review and meta-analysis on vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and cancer risk

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) can influence cancer susceptibility through binding to vitamin D. However, the previous studies were contradictory. Therefore this meta-analysis was conducted to clarify the association between VDR polymorphisms (BsmI, TaqI, FokI, and ApaI) and cancer risk. One hundred twenty-six studies were enrolled through PubMed. For VDR BsmI polymorphism, significantly increased cancer risks were observed in the overall analysis. In the further stratified analysis, increased risks were observed in colorectal and skin cancer, especially in Caucasian population. However, no significant associations were observed in other VDR polymorphisms in the overall analysis. In the further subgroup analysis, increased risks were found in oral, breast, and basal cell cancer while decreased risk was found in prostate cancer in t allele carriers of TaqI polymorphism. For VDR FokI polymorphism, increased risks were found in ovarian and skin cancer while decreased risk in glioma in f allele carriers. For VDR ApaI polymorphism, increased risk was observed in basal cell cancer, especially in Asian population in a allele carriers. In conclusion, these results indicated that b allele of BamI polymorphism was a risk factor for cancer susceptibility. Meanwhile, t allele of TaqI polymorphism was a risk factor for oral, breast, and basal cell cancer and a protective factor for prostate cancer. Moreover, f allele of FokI polymorphism was a risk factor for ovarian and skin cancer and a protective factor for glioma. Finally, a allele of ApaI polymorphism was a risk factor for basal cell cancer in Asian population.

CHARACTERIZACION OF SKIN CANCER WITH OPTO-MAGNETIC IMAGING SPECTROSCOPY

Melanoma is the most malignant skin cancer in human population due to late detection, high invasiveness and rapid infiltration. Besides melanoma, skin cancer includes Basal cell cancer (BCC), Squamous cell cancer (SCC), and other rare cancers like Mercel cell carcinoma and Langerhans cell carcinoma. The annual increase of melanoma patients in Serbia is 6%, while this number in the rest of the world varies between 5% and 7%. Various techniques are used to detect and differentiate skin cancers; these techniques differ in the principle of operation and detection efficiency. A novel method is an opto-magnetic imaging spectroscopy (OMIS) based on light-tissue interaction. In more details, this technique measures the difference between responses of the skin when it is illuminated with white or polarized light under normal incidence or under Brewster angle. Different skin responses can also be measured under a fixed incident angle of the blue and the violet light. In this study, OMIS is used for detection and differentiation between simple mole (naevus) and melanoma, and for differentiation between non-melanoma cancer and melanoma. Investigations have included 65 patients with whom different lesions were confirmed by dermoscopy and histopathology. It is shown that good agreement between the results of the OMIS method and histopathological diagnosis were obtained in the sample covering 97% of the patients. This demonstrates that OMIS method can be one of the diagnostic methods for detection and differentiation of skin lesions.