Skin Cancer EXAM I Flashcards
major cause of skin cancer is _______________ .
overexposure to the sun
what are the different types of precursor skin cancer ?
congenital nevi: mole from birth
dysplastic nevi: a mole that pops up out of nowhere
actinic keratoses: most common precursor. direct result of lifetime damage to the skin from the sunlight.
found in the squamous cell of the skin. Develop as a result of cumulative exposure to ultraviolet light. Appearance will look raised. Similar to that of a volcano (raised but hallow on the inside). Very rapid in growth. Found a lot in the face area, some may have them on their hands and arms.
squamous cell skin cancer
translucent, or white pearly in their appearance. very slow growing and typically don’t metastasize. Can cause major tissue destruction to the skin. Seen a lot on the face, scalp, back, and even the chest.
basal cell carcinoma skin cancer
rarity. Men are diagnosed more than women. Cancer in the basement layer of our skin. Typically doesn’t have symptoms but presents themselves as a brown flat lesion and can be found anywhere on the body. Its not symmetrical, color isn’t consistent, etc.
malignant melanoma skin cancer
WHO added _____ _______ to list of the most dangerous forms of cancer-causing radiation. those that are fair skin are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer.
tanning beds
Avoiding/reducing sun exposure
SPF of atleast 30 when in the sun
Reapply sunscreen if you go in the water
Apply sunscreen atleast 30 min before outside time
Avoiding tanning beds
Wear hat & other protective clothing (if you can hold up a piece of clothing to the light and skin through it then UV rays can go through it and is not seen as protective. Hat should be atleast 2-3 inches of the brim. covers neck, ears, nose, etc)
primary prevention of skin cancer
Skin self-examination (TSSE)
ABCDE guide
Total body spot & lesion map (for those that are high risk to establish a baseline)
secondary prevention of skin cancer
asymmetry: is it symmetrical or not?
border: are the edges uneven, crusty, or notched
color: variations of the color and the actual color
diameter: is it bigger than 6 mm (pencil eraser)
evolving: is it growing or changing in appearance or size
ABCDE of skin assessment for cancer
- Skin colored-reddish; few millimeters-2cm
- Cheeks, temples, forehead, A&P neck, ears, backs of hands, forearms
- Begin erythematous, scaly plaques that exfoliate with toweling off or rubbing of clothes during the day
Actinic Keratoses (precursor to skin cancer)
- Crusted papules/plaques, indurated, ulcerated. Large lesions can be painful and bleed
- Top of head, neck lips, hands, arms, ears
- Can invade fatty tissue and spread via lymph nodes; recurrence rate w/in 3 yrs 18%
Squamous cell skin cancer
- Pearly, translucent, flesh-colored papules; rolled edges, ulcerations; telangiectasis
- Head, neck, trunk, back, face
- Usually not metastatic; recurrence rate w/in 3 yrs 44%
Basal cell skin cancer
- Brown, black, rarely reddish flat lesions that follow *ABCDE rule
- Anywhere on the body esp where there is an existing mole
- Good outcome if diagnosed and treated early; rapid metastasis can occur; 5 yr survival rate 91%; 10 yr survival rate 89%
Malignant Melonoma skin cancer
cancer must be localized in order for this treatment to be effective. Swelling and increased tenderness will be in the affected area, 1-3 days after there will be a blister. treat with peroxide.
Cryosurgery
uses local anesthesia and a dermal curette to scrap away the cancerous tissue that is there, and then a electrical probe is used to kill the remaining cells. typically used for smaller skin cancers.
Curettage and Electrodesication
