NUR 2063 Essentials of Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Exam 1 Study Guide

Skin Cancer

- Abnormal growth of skin cells. • Most frequently occurring cancer in the United States.

• Most prevalent in males, Caucasians, those with fair complexion, and those with a

family history. UV exposure, natural or artificial, is the most significant risk factor. Most

skin cancers occur on areas that have the most sun exposure.

Varies widely in appearance. Can be small, shiny, waxy, scaly, rough, firm, red, crusty,

bleeding, and so on. Any suspicious skin lesion should be examined by a healthcare

professional.

Skin Cancer Basal cell carcinoma

- Most common Develops from abnormal growth of the cells in the lowest layer of the

epidermis Rarely metastasizes

Skin Cancer Squamous cell carcinoma

- Involves changes in the squamous cells, found in the middle layer of the epidermis

Skin Cancer Melanoma

- Develops in the melanocytes

Least common type but the most serious

Often metastasizes to other areas

Skin Cancer Suspicious features

- Asymmetry Border irregularity Color variations Diameter larger than 6 mm Any skin

growth that bleeds or will not heal Any skin growth that changes in appearance over

time

Skin Cancer Diagnosis: Prevention: Treatment:

- Early detection is crucial to positive outcomes. history, physical examination, and

biopsy. limiting or avoiding exposure to UV light. cryosurgery, excisional surgery, laser

therapy, Mohs' surgery (the skin growth is removed layer by layer, examining each layer

under the microscope, until no abnormal cells remain), curettage and electrodesiccation

(involves scraping layers of cancer cells away using a circular blade [currette] and then

using an electric needle to destroy any remaining cancer cells), radiation therapy, and

chemotherapy.