Skin Flashcards

(64 cards)

1
Q

What is the most common form of cancer in Australia?

A

Skin cancer

Skin cancer accounts for about 31% of all newly diagnosed cancers in Australia during 2017–2018.

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2
Q

What percentage of Australians are estimated to be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70?

A

2 in 3 Australians

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3
Q

What types of skin cancers are not required to be reported to cancer registries?

A

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs)

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4
Q

What is the estimated mortality rate of non-melanoma skin cancers in Australia?

A

2 deaths per 100,000 people

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5
Q

What is the primary cause of the high incidence of skin cancer in Australia?

A

High ambient solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation

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6
Q

Which demographic is most susceptible to developing skin cancer?

A

Fair-skinned people

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7
Q

What is the incidence of melanoma in Indigenous Australians compared to non-Indigenous Australians?

A

9.3 per 100,000 in Indigenous Australians vs. 33 per 100,000 in non-Indigenous Australians

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8
Q

What are the two types of UV radiation mentioned, and their wavelength ranges?

A

UVB (280–320 nm) and UVA (320–400 nm)

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9
Q

What is sunburn primarily caused by?

A

Exposure to UV radiation, especially UVB

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10
Q

List some chronic effects of sun exposure.

A
  • Wrinkling
  • Blotchiness
  • Telangiectasia
  • Malignant changes (e.g. basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma)
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11
Q

What strategies have been devised to improve sun protection?

A
  • Avoiding exposure in the middle of the day
  • Staying in the shade
  • Wearing protective clothing and hats
  • Using sunscreen (SPF > 30+)
  • Avoiding sunbeds and solariums
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12
Q

What is basal cell carcinoma (BCC)?

A

A malignant tumour of the skin arising from cells in the basal layer of the epidermis

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13
Q

What percentage of non-melanoma skin cancers does basal cell carcinoma account for?

A

At least two-thirds

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14
Q

What is the predominant cause of basal cell carcinoma?

A

Repeated exposure to solar UV radiation, especially UVB

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15
Q

What are the three common growth patterns of basal cell carcinoma?

A
  • Superficial
  • Nodular
  • Morphoeic
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16
Q

What is the most common treatment for basal cell carcinoma?

A

Surgical excision

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17
Q

What percentage of patients still appear cured 5 years after complete excision of basal cell carcinoma?

A

90%

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18
Q

What is Mohs surgery?

A

A procedure where all margins of the excised tumour are examined to ensure a high cure rate

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19
Q

What is the role of Imiquimod 5% cream in treatment?

A

It stimulates an immune response to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma

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20
Q

What is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)?

A

A cancer arising from keratinocytes in the outer layers of the epidermis

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21
Q

What is the main cause of squamous cell carcinoma?

A

Cumulative sun exposure

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22
Q

What are some risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma?

A
  • Age > 50 years
  • Being male
  • Fair skin
  • Blue or green eyes
  • Exposure to chemical pollution
  • Immune suppression
  • Smoking
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23
Q

What is solar keratosis?

A

A precursor lesion associated with chronic exposure to UV radiation

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24
Q

How does squamous cell carcinoma in situ differ from invasive squamous cell carcinoma?

A

In situ lesions are confined to the epidermis, while invasive lesions may penetrate deeper and metastasize

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25
What is melanoma?
A malignant tumour that arises from melanocytes and has a high rate of metastasis
26
What is the incidence of melanoma in Australia and New Zealand compared to the world average?
11 times higher than the estimated average worldwide rate
27
% of squamous cell carcinomas metastasise
High potential for metastasis ## Footnote Squamous cell carcinomas are aggressive and can spread to lymph nodes and distant sites.
28
What is melanoma?
A malignant tumour that arises from melanocytes ## Footnote Melanoma progresses rapidly and has a high rate of metastasis.
29
Which countries have the highest incidence rates of melanoma?
Australia and New Zealand ## Footnote Incidence rates are 11 times higher than the worldwide average.
30
What percentage of all new cancer diagnoses in Australia in 2020 was melanoma?
11% ## Footnote Melanoma was the fourth most common malignant cancer in Australia in 2016.
31
What is the melanoma incidence rate for Indigenous Australians?
9 cases per 100,000 ## Footnote Non-Indigenous Australians have a rate of 33 cases per 100,000.
32
What environmental factor is primarily linked to melanoma?
Intermittent exposure to UV radiation ## Footnote Sunburn, especially with blistering, increases melanoma risk.
33
What are some risk factors for developing melanoma?
* Previous history of skin cancer * Multiple melanocytic naevi * Atypical naevi * Family history * p16 gene mutation ## Footnote Fair skin and genetic variations also increase risk.
34
What is the pathogenesis of melanoma believed to involve?
A multistep process of progressive genetic mutations ## Footnote Genetic abnormalities in pathways lead to melanocyte proliferation.
35
What are the four main types of melanoma?
* Cutaneous melanoma * Acral (lentiginous) melanoma * Uveal melanoma * Mucosal melanoma ## Footnote Each type has different characteristics and locations.
36
What is the most common form of melanoma?
Cutaneous melanoma ## Footnote It includes superficial spreading melanoma.
37
What characterizes nodular melanoma?
Aggressive, quickly invading deeper tissue ## Footnote Appears as a quickly growing black or blue lump.
38
What is the appearance of amelanotic melanoma?
Pale pink marking on the skin ## Footnote It can be difficult to detect.
39
What is the TNM staging system used for?
Classifying and staging melanoma ## Footnote It includes melanoma thickness, ulceration, and metastases.
40
Which gene mutations are commonly associated with melanoma?
* BRAF gene mutation * NRAS mutation * C-KIT mutation ## Footnote About 40% have a BRAF mutation.
41
What role do checkpoint inhibitors play in melanoma treatment?
Limit inhibitory immune pathways to enhance immune response ## Footnote They help the body's immune system fight melanoma cells.
42
What is the most common inflammatory condition of the skin?
Dermatitis ## Footnote Also known as eczema.
43
What triggers irritant contact dermatitis?
Chemical or physical agents ## Footnote It can develop after initial or cumulative exposure.
44
What are common substances that cause irritant contact dermatitis?
* Water * Soap * Detergents * Oils * Acids * Alkalis * Rubber ## Footnote Environmental factors like heat and humidity also contribute.
45
What is allergic contact dermatitis?
A type IV delayed T-cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction ## Footnote It occurs in sensitized individuals upon re-exposure to an allergen.
46
What are common risk factors for developing allergic contact dermatitis?
* Friction * Heat exposure * Humidity * Frequent handwashing ## Footnote These factors enhance allergen penetration.
47
What is nappy rash?
The most common dermatitis of infancy and early childhood ## Footnote Caused by moisture, irritants, and friction under the nappy.
48
What is the treatment for nappy rash?
* Frequent nappy changes * Barrier cream * Air exposure * Topical antifungal for Candida infection ## Footnote Low-potency topical steroids may be used if needed.
49
What can be a consequence of latex allergy?
Increased sensitivity in medical professionals ## Footnote Commonly seen in those with a history of other allergies.
50
What is latex allergy?
A condition caused by sensitivity to proteins found in latex, commonly seen in medical professionals and patients with a history of allergies. ## Footnote It is often associated with conditions such as asthma, eczema, or allergic rhinitis.
51
What are the two types of responses to latex exposure?
* Type IV delayed T-cell-mediated hypersensitivity (allergic contact dermatitis) * Type I hypersensitivity reaction causing anaphylaxis ## Footnote The Type I response is mediated by immunoglobulin E.
52
What should sensitised individuals avoid?
Exposure to latex ## Footnote Non-latex gloves should be worn in the workplace.
53
What is recommended for individuals with latex allergy in terms of emergency preparedness?
Wear a MedicAlert bracelet and carry an adrenaline auto-injector (e.g., Anapen) ## Footnote Cross-reactivity exists between latex and certain plant-derived foods.
54
What is atopic dermatitis?
An inherited chronic inflammatory skin disorder often associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis. ## Footnote It predominantly occurs in children, with symptoms typically diminishing in puberty.
55
What are the prevalence rates of atopic dermatitis in adolescents?
Up to 10% of adolescents may experience it, with girls more likely affected than boys. ## Footnote 1 in 4 teenagers with atopic eczema developed it in adolescence rather than childhood.
56
What factors contribute to the cause of atopic dermatitis?
* Environmental triggers * Genetic factors * Stress * Dry skin * Abnormal microbial colonisation ## Footnote Staphylococcus aureus is a common factor in microbial colonisation.
57
What is the primary role believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis?
Epidermal barrier dysfunction ## Footnote Genetic alterations in the filaggrin gene are significant in this dysfunction.
58
What is filaggrin?
A protein necessary for the formation and hydration of the skin barrier ## Footnote Mutations in the filaggrin gene are associated with atopic dermatitis.
59
What are common clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis in infants?
* Affected sites: face, scalp, extensor surfaces * Symptoms: erythema, itching, scaling ## Footnote Chronic lesions may develop into thickened plaques or nodules.
60
What is a common complication of atopic dermatitis?
Recurrent bacterial, viral, and fungal infections ## Footnote Over 90% of individuals with atopic dermatitis carry S. aureus on their skin.
61
What is the standard treatment for acute exacerbations of atopic dermatitis?
* Avoidance of allergic triggers * Topical corticosteroids * Immunomodulators or systemic therapy for severe cases ## Footnote Allergy testing may be necessary if the allergen is unknown.
62
What is seborrhoeic dermatitis?
A chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting areas with prominent sebaceous glands. ## Footnote It is often triggered by Malassezia yeasts.
63
What are common manifestations of seborrhoeic dermatitis in infants and adults?
* Infants: cradle cap * Adults: dandruff ## Footnote Lesions appear as scaly, white or yellow plaques.
64
What treatments are available for seborrhoeic dermatitis?
Shampoos containing sulfur, salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, or tar ## Footnote These ingredients help manage the condition effectively.