Malignant Skin Disoders Flashcards
What is actinic keratosis
Pre malignant. It is related to chronic sun exposure and photo damage
It may progress to squamous cell carcinoma
What is the appearance of actinic keratosis
Reddened rough Macules that are shiny or scaly; skin bleeds underneath if scales are removed
What is non melanoma skin cancer
Most common malignant malignant neoplasm in fair skin ppl
High cure rate of detected early
Increased incidence with age and males
What is basal cell cancer
A type of non melanoma skin cancer
Most common, least aggressive
Tends to recur
Does basal cell cancer metastasize
Rarely except keratotis found on outer ear
What is the appearance of basal cell cancer
Starts as papules and develops into nodules
What happens if basal cell cancer is left untreated
Nodules enlarge and may destroy body parts like eyelid or nose
What is squamous cell cancer
Occurs in areas of skin exposed to ultraviolet rays and weather
Arises on skin that was burned or chronically inflamed
Is squamous cell cancer aggressive
It is more aggressive and more apt to metastasize than basal
What are characteristics of squamous cell cancer
Begins as small firm red nodule: crusted with keratin. May ulcerate, bleed and become painful
What are risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma
Ultraviolet light, pollutants
Tx for psoriasis including UVA light, tar medications, radiation, tx for malignancies, skin that had been burned, HPV
A person with light skin has low levels of what?
Melanin
What is treatment for skin cancers
Surgical excision
Mohs micrographic surgery, current age and electrodessication
Radiation for inoperable cancers
What is nursing care for skin cancer
Teach prevention and early detection
Minimize sun exposure from 10a-3p.
Us sunscreen, avoid tanning booths
Seek medical attention for skin lesions and changes in moles
What is malignant melanoma
Serious skin cancer
Malignancies arise from melanocytes
It may arise in skin not exposed to sun
Malignant melanoma is more common in who
Fair skin ppl
Those with hx of blistering sunburns as a child, those who tan
Malignant melanoma has a pot prognosis if found where?
Lesions on hands, feet, scalp
Where do most melanoma develop
Initially in epidermis over a long period of time,once it advances to the dermis it is prone to metastasis
What is the manifestations of malignant melanoma
Precursor lesions congenital Nevi (moles) which appear during childhood
What is the radical growth phase of malignant melanoma
Spreads horizontally and highly curable by surgical excision
What is the vertical growth phase of malignant melanoma
Spreads down into dermis and subcutaneous tissue leading to metastasis and fatal outcome
What are the most common sites of malignant melanoma for men
Trunk
What is a common site of malignant melanoma for woman
Lower extremities
What is the ABCD rule
A- asymmetrical
B- border irregularities
C- color variation or black color
D-diameter greater than 6mm (pencil eraser)
What immunotherapies can help with malignant melanoma
Interferons
Interleukins
Monoclonal antibodies
BCG is still under investigation
What is the background of malignant skin disorders
Most common of all cancers
Arises from epithelial cells
