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Questions and Answers
What is a key characteristic of melanoma in terms of its behavior?
What is a key characteristic of melanoma in terms of its behavior?
Which diagnostic test uses radioactive glucose to locate malignant tumor cells?
Which diagnostic test uses radioactive glucose to locate malignant tumor cells?
Which type of biopsy involves using a scalpel to remove a part of the growth?
Which type of biopsy involves using a scalpel to remove a part of the growth?
What treatment option involves removing the tumor layer by layer?
What treatment option involves removing the tumor layer by layer?
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Which cancer type is primarily known for spreading to the liver?
Which cancer type is primarily known for spreading to the liver?
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What is the primary method used during surgery to check for cancer cells?
What is the primary method used during surgery to check for cancer cells?
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Which of the following procedures can be repeated multiple times for treatment?
Which of the following procedures can be repeated multiple times for treatment?
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What treatment uses freezing to destroy abnormal tissue?
What treatment uses freezing to destroy abnormal tissue?
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Which of the following is the best approach to treat actinic keratosis?
Which of the following is the best approach to treat actinic keratosis?
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Which therapy uses light to activate a drug that kills cancer cells?
Which therapy uses light to activate a drug that kills cancer cells?
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What type of cancer can radiation therapy be used to treat?
What type of cancer can radiation therapy be used to treat?
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Which of the following treatments is NOT mentioned as an option?
Which of the following treatments is NOT mentioned as an option?
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What can influence the prognosis of skin cancer?
What can influence the prognosis of skin cancer?
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What is a significant risk factor for developing skin cancer in adults?
What is a significant risk factor for developing skin cancer in adults?
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Which sign indicates that a mole or spot needs immediate investigation?
Which sign indicates that a mole or spot needs immediate investigation?
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Which skin cancer type accounts for approximately 80% of all skin cancer cases?
Which skin cancer type accounts for approximately 80% of all skin cancer cases?
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What description best fits Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
What description best fits Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
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What feature differentiates Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma from other types?
What feature differentiates Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma from other types?
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Which condition is characterized by well-demarcated plaques with surface crusting and scaling?
Which condition is characterized by well-demarcated plaques with surface crusting and scaling?
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What usually indicates a precancerous condition on sun-exposed skin?
What usually indicates a precancerous condition on sun-exposed skin?
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Which symptom needs immediate attention when found on a nail?
Which symptom needs immediate attention when found on a nail?
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Which characteristic is NOT associated with Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Which characteristic is NOT associated with Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
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What are rough and dry skin patches indicative of in self-assessment?
What are rough and dry skin patches indicative of in self-assessment?
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What percentage of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is accounted for by morphoeic BCC?
What percentage of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is accounted for by morphoeic BCC?
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Which sign is NOT part of the ABCDE method for identifying melanoma?
Which sign is NOT part of the ABCDE method for identifying melanoma?
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What is the treatment outlook for malignant melanoma when detected early?
What is the treatment outlook for malignant melanoma when detected early?
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Which of the following is a false statement regarding squamous cell carcinoma?
Which of the following is a false statement regarding squamous cell carcinoma?
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What describes morphoeic BCC's appearance?
What describes morphoeic BCC's appearance?
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Where do malignant melanomas most commonly appear on the body?
Where do malignant melanomas most commonly appear on the body?
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What is a common appearance feature of squamous cell carcinoma?
What is a common appearance feature of squamous cell carcinoma?
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Which statement about skin cancer is accurate?
Which statement about skin cancer is accurate?
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What percentage of skin cancer cases worldwide are caused by UV radiation?
What percentage of skin cancer cases worldwide are caused by UV radiation?
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What is the recommended action when the UV index is 3 or higher?
What is the recommended action when the UV index is 3 or higher?
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Which of the following can be categorized as a risk factor for developing skin cancer?
Which of the following can be categorized as a risk factor for developing skin cancer?
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What is a misunderstanding regarding tanning beds?
What is a misunderstanding regarding tanning beds?
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How much risk of skin cancer is associated with having a family history of the disease?
How much risk of skin cancer is associated with having a family history of the disease?
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Which type of melanin is responsible for the reddish hues in freckles and red hair?
Which type of melanin is responsible for the reddish hues in freckles and red hair?
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What advice is given regarding sun exposure from 11am to 3pm?
What advice is given regarding sun exposure from 11am to 3pm?
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Which factor is true about melanoma statistics in Canada?
Which factor is true about melanoma statistics in Canada?
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Study Notes
Skin Cancer Overview
- Skin cancer is any cancer originating in the skin, capable of spreading to nearby tissues and organs.
- This can occur on any skin area, including the palms, soles, and scalp.
- Melanoma often initiates in the genital region, particularly the labia majora and minora.
- Many skin cancers are missed since they frequently develop on the back or scalp.
- Skin cancers metastasize by spreading through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.
Melanin and Vitamin D
- Eumelanin produces brown and black skin tones, as well as brown and blonde hair.
- Pheomelanin is associated with reddish-brown freckles and red hair.
- Vitamin D is produced from UV exposure and assists in mineral absorption, deficiency can lead to rickets.
Skin Cancer Facts
- Worldwide, skin cancer accounts for one-third of all cancers, primarily caused by UV radiation.
- Canadians born in the 1990s face a significantly higher skin cancer risk compared to those in the 1960s (2-3x higher risk).
- Skin cancer diagnoses are exceeding those of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers combined in some regions.
- Skin cancer incidence is higher in Australia compared to some other countries.
Skin Cancer Prevention
- Protective measures like covering up are crucial when the UV Index is 3 or above.
- Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and a wide-brimmed hat made of breathable material.
- Use sunglasses with protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Limit sun exposure, ideally avoiding the sun between 11 AM and 3 PM when the UV Index is high.
- Use sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply every 2-3 hours, particularly in water or high exposure situations.
- Avoid tanning equipment.
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
- Individuals with fair skin are more susceptible due to lower melanin content.
- Having a high number of moles is also a risk factor.
- Using tanning beds elevates the risk of skin cancer more than smoking.
- A family history of skin cancer significantly increases an individual's risk, specifically if it involves first-degree relatives.
- Individuals who had severe sunburns as children or teenagers face higher melanoma risk.
- People with a history of skin cancer have an increased risk of further skin cancers in other areas.
Screening for Skin Cancer
- Look for dark spots, growths, or patches changing in appearance, color, or size, particularly skin areas that receive less sun such as the soles of the feet, toenails, palms, genital region, inside the mouth etc.
- Note unusual sores that do not heal or keep returning, especially sores on previously injured skin.
- Pay attention to rough, dry patches of skin.
- Check for dark streaks or lines under or around toenails or fingernails.
- Examine areas with less sun exposure, like the bottoms of the feet, toenails, lower legs, groin, and buttocks.
- Any new spots, moles, or moles that bleed, itch, or change color should immediately be investigated.
Types of Skin Cancer
- Basal cell carcinoma: A dome-shaped, pearly growth, often pink or flesh-colored, common on the face and scalp.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Often appearing as a rough, crusty bump or a red, scaly patch and usually found on sun-exposed regions of the body.
- Melanoma: Often characterized by asymmetrical shape, uneven edges, multiple colors, a diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and a changing appearance. The most dangerous type of skin cancer.
- Merkel cell carcinoma: A rare cancer that manifests as a small, firm nodule. More aggressive than BCC, often on sun-exposed areas.
Precancerous Lesions
- Actinic keratosis: Appears as red patches with scaly, poorly defined edges and typically occurs in sun-exposed areas.
- Bowen's disease: Manifests as well-defined, scaly plaques that can be crusting in nature.
Further Diagnosis for Skin Cancer
- X-rays
- CT scans
- PET scans
- Ultrasound scans
- Eye exams
- Lymph node biopsies
Skin Cancer Treatment
- Excision, Mohs surgery, and cryosurgery aim to remove skin cancer tissue.
- Shaving, laser surgery, and dermabrasion address precancerous lesions.
- Radiation therapy and other topical therapies target basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas.
Factors Influencing Skin Cancer Prognosis
- Recurrence rate, tumor depth, location on the body, type, immunosuppression levels, and cancer stage all impact prognosis.
Immunotherapy in Skin Cancer Treatment
- Utilizing a patient's immune system to combat cancer.
- Involves PD-1 inhibitors.
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Description
This quiz provides an overview of skin cancer, including its types, risk factors, and the role of melanin and vitamin D in skin health. It highlights the alarming statistics related to skin cancer prevalence and its correlation with UV exposure. Test your knowledge about the facts surrounding skin cancer and its effects on individuals.
