Skin Tumours Management Flashcards
What are the indications for a skin biopsy?
Skin rashes - to assist in diagnosis
Skin tumours - assist in malignancy, remove malignancy, remove unwanted skin growth
What does a dermatofibroma look like?
Firm to touch
Often increased pigment around the rim
What are different types of skin eruptions?
Morbiliform eruption Urticaria Angioedema Fixed drug eruption Generalised pustulosis
What are the different treatment options if a diagnosis is made of a skin lesion?
Surgery Photodynamic therapy Cryotherapy Chemo/ radio therapy 5-fluoiracil Solaraze Imiquimod
How is melanoma skin cancer treated?
Initially surgery
Further surgery, radiotherapy or chemo may be needed
Early excision is best
What are the tiger country areas and why?
Temple - superficial facial artery
In front of ear - facial nerve runs through the parotid gland
Side of neck - erbs point, nerve point
What are the layers of the scalp from outside in?
SCALP Skin Connective tissue Aponeurosis Loose connective tissue Periosteum
What nerve controls the muscles of facial expression?
Facial nerve
How is the facial nerve tested clinically?
Ask the patient to: frown, close eyes tightly or smile
What are the different types of local anaesthesia?
Topical
Local infiltration
Nerve block
Field block
How is lignocaine excreted and what is the safe max dose?
Excretion reduced in liver, renal, cardiac failure, the young and elderly
In a 70kg healthy young male, the max dose would be 50ml 1% lignocaine with 1:80,000 adrenaline
Why is adrenaline administered with lignocaine?
Prolongs anaesthesia and reduces bleeding
Should be avoided in patients with cardiac disease and those on psychotropic drugs
How can a local anaesthetic injection be made less painful?
Relax patient Topical local Fine needle Warm local Omit adrenaline Neutralise acidity Massage skin Slow injection Subcutis injection Follicle opening Nerve blocks
What are the complications of a skin biopsy?
Bleeding Wound dehiscence Infection Motor or sensory nerve damage Loss of function
What are the basic skin surgery methods?
Electrosurgery Snip excision Curettage Shave excision Punch biopsy Elliptical excision
