Dermatology/ Skin Cancer Flashcards
In the evaluation of a suspicious lesion, what does the acronym “ABCDE” stand for?
Asymmetry
Border irregularity
Color variegation
Diameter >6 mm
Enlargement or elevation
What does the sun protection factor (SPF) indicate?
Measures the time a product protects the skin against burning. If you burn after ten minutes without protection, then wearing sunscreen of SPF 15 will theoretically allow you to stay in the sun 15 times longer before burning.
How should people protect their skin from the sun when outside?
- use sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater
- wear hats, shirts, and pants when possible(haha)
- avoid being outside between 10 AM and 4 PM
How long before sun exposure should patients start applying chemical sunscreens?
30 minutes
What is the most common form of skin cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
What are the risk factors for BCC?
- UV exposure
- fair skin
- individual susceptibility
- previous radiotherapy
- basal cell nevus syndrome
- xeroderma pigmentosum
- arsenic ingestion
What is the most common subtype of BCC?
Nodular-ulcerated (60%)
Where does Nodular-ulcerated BCC typically present?
On the face
What is the second most common subtype of BCC?
Superficial (30%)
Where does Superficial BCC typically present?
On the trunk
In what age group does the incidence of BCC peak?
60-70 year olds
What is the most common presentation of a BCC?
Shiny, pearly, or translucent nodule with telangiectasia
What are other skin findings that would make you concerned for BCC?
- Sore that won’t heal
- red, itchy patch
- elevated area with crusting
- waxy area with tight, shiny skin
What are the treatment options for BCCs?
- 95% cured by simple excision or curettage and electrodesiccation
- Recurrent lesions treated with Mohs micrographic surgery.
A scaly, crusted, “sandpaper-like” slightly elevated spot on sun-exposed skin that has appeared and disappeared and now reappeared in a 65-year-old male is most likely what lesion?
Actinic keratosis (AK)