Skin Cancer

Question 1

Two classifications of skin cancer

Answer 1

• Melanoma

* NON-Melanoma

Question 2

most common type of basal cell cancer

Answer 2

Nodular basal cell cancer

Question 3

Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma

1) Describe characteristics

Answer 3

~Bulky from lack of keratinization
~smooth pimple appearance
~Shiny and pearly white, pink or flesh colored
~Rarely metastasizes
~Often found on face, neck, head
~Pruritus

Question 4

Risk factors for NON-MELANOMA

Answer 4

~Environmental (radiation, pollutant, trauma)

~Host factors (skin pigmentation & presence of pre-malignant lesions)

Question 5

Three types of skin cancer

Answer 5

1) Superficial Spreading (Melanoma)
2) Basal Cell Cancer (Non-Melanoma)
3) Squamous Cell cancer (Non-Melanoma)

Question 6

Daily Application of sun protection should be a minimum of _____SPF

Answer 6

15

Question 7

Superficial Spreading Melanoma

1) Describe characteristics

Answer 7

~ Flat, Scaly, Crusty
~Asymmetrical w/ irregular borders
~Color: Mixture of brown, black, red, white, blue
~Diameter >6mm
~Trunk/back of men
~Legs of women

Question 8

Skin is subject to damage caused by _____ and _____.

Answer 8

• UV Radiation

* Chemicals

Question 9

what is the earliest recommended age to apply sunscreen?

Answer 9

6 months or older

Question 10

Teaching points for skin cancer prevention (6)

Answer 10

1) avoid prolonged exposure
2) no tanning machines
3) Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
4) broad rimmed hat
5) sunglasses that block UV rays
6) head to toe skin exams

Question 11

Leading cause of skin cancer

Answer 11

Exposure to the sun (tanning beds or sun)

Question 12

Squamous Cell Cancer

1) Describe characteristics

Answer 12

~Small, firm, red, nodule
~Painful
~area around lesion hardens
~forehead, ears, hands

Question 13

Examples of emerging pharmacological therapies (2)

Answer 13

1) Gene therapy

2) Immune Therapy

Question 14

Diagnostic tests for skin cancer

Answer 14

1) Palpation of lymph nodes, liver, spleen
2) Biopsy
3) Tests for metastasis (ie, LFT’s, CBC, CXR, etc)
4) Microstaging

Question 15

Aside from sun exposure, name four (4) other contributing risk factors for skin cancer.

Answer 15

1) Age
2) Skin type
3) Skin color
4) genetic predisposition

Question 16

(TRUE) or (FALSE)

Women have a better prognosis with melanoma

Answer 16

true

Question 17

How to apply sunscreen properly?

Answer 17

~30 minutes before exposure
~Reapply every two (2) hours
~Reapply immediately are swimming or periods of excessive perspiration

Question 18

Most common site for metastasis of malignant melanoma

Answer 18

*Regional Lymph Nodes

Question 19

Melanoma responds to __________ radiation

Answer 19

high dose

Question 20

If a biopsy identifies the lesion as a melanoma, a _________ is performed that includes the ______________ of the skin.

Answer 20

• wide excision

* full thickness

Question 21

Preferred treatment for melanoma

Answer 21

surgical excision

Question 22

The assessment of the level of invasion of a malignant melanoma and the maximum tumor thickness

Answer 22

Microstaging

Question 23

Three types of pharmacologic therapy for skin cancer

Answer 23

1) chemotherapy
2) Immunotherapy
3) emerging treatments (gene, immune therapy)

Question 24

Risk factors for Melanoma

Answer 24

• frequent sun exposure
• fair skin, freckling, blond hair, blue eyes
• high number or moles / large moles
• Close relative with melanoma
• immune suppression
• <50 years of age