Skin Cancer Primary Prevention Tips

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Questions and Answers

What is the recommended minimum SPF for broad-spectrum sunscreen that should be applied daily?

15 (correct)

How long before anticipated sun exposure should sunscreen be applied?

1 hour

1.5 hours

15 minutes

30 minutes (correct)

What should be done immediately after swimming while wearing sunscreen?

Allow the sunscreen to dry

Use a towel to remove excess sunscreen

Skip reapplication

Reapply sunscreen (correct)

What additional protective measures should be taken besides using sunscreen?

Wearing broad-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses Signup and view all the answers

At what age can individuals start using sunscreen regularly?

6 months Signup and view all the answers

Which factor significantly influences an individual's risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer?

Skin pigmentation Signup and view all the answers

What substance is linked to the increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer due to its presence in coal, tar, and soot?

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following chemicals is used in conjunction with UVA and increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma?

Psoralens Signup and view all the answers

What is a major risk factor for developing nonmelanoma skin cancer related to pre-existing skin lesions?

Change in an existing lesion Signup and view all the answers

Which population is least likely to have actinic keratosis?

Individuals with dark skin Signup and view all the answers

How does the level of melanin in skin affect the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer?

Higher melanin levels offer better protection from UV rays. Signup and view all the answers

Which activity could increase the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer among organ transplant recipients?

Immunosuppression therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is a common associated factor with the development of squamous cell cancer?

Human papillomavirus infection Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk factor for developing melanoma skin cancer?

Receiving five or more sunburns in a lifetime Signup and view all the answers

How do UVA and UVB rays differ in their effects on the skin?

UVB rays are absorbed by the top layer of skin, while UVA rays penetrate deeper. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can increase the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer?

Living at high altitudes Signup and view all the answers

What role does the depletion of the ozone layer play in skin cancer risk?

It increases exposure to harmful UVB radiation. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is associated with an increased risk for melanoma?

Atypical moles of large size Signup and view all the answers

What environmental factor is primarily linked to nonmelanoma skin cancer?

UV radiation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can weaken the immune response and increase skin cancer risk?

A weakened immune system from disease or treatment Signup and view all the answers

What demographic factor increases risk for melanoma skin cancer?

Having a family history of melanoma Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical manifestation is most commonly associated with malignant melanoma?

Irregular borders with variegated coloration Signup and view all the answers

What type of clinical manifestation best describes a nodular basal cell carcinoma?

Shiny papule resembling a pimple Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment option is commonly used for actinic keratosis?

Cryosurgery Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is indicative of squamous cell cancer?

Ulceration with crusting and pain Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical size characteristic of a melanoma?

Greater than 6 mm in diameter Signup and view all the answers

What is a common clinical characteristic of morpheaform basal cell carcinoma?

Finger-like projections along dermis Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinguishing feature of lentigo maligna?

Mottled pigmentation with gradual growth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancers?

Chemotherapy Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is typically associated with a pigmented basal cell carcinoma?

Shiny surface with distinct borders Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical risk area for squamous cell cancer development?

Face, hands, and neck Signup and view all the answers

What might suggest transformation of actinic keratosis to malignancy?

Enlargement or ulceration of lesions Signup and view all the answers

How do malignant melanoma lesions typically appear in terms of color?

Mixtures of tan, brown, black, red, and pink Signup and view all the answers

What surgical procedure is commonly used for superficial basal cell carcinoma?

Curettage and electrodesiccation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Primary Prevention for Skin Cancer

Avoid prolonged sun exposure and artificial tanning booths
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily with SPF 15 or higher
For extended sun exposure, use SPF 30 or higher
Apply 1 ounce of sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, immediately after swimming or sweating
Sunscreen should be used on individuals over 6 months old
Wear broad-brimmed hats, sun-safe clothing, and UV-blocking sunglasses
Perform frequent self-skin exams and get an annual skin check by a healthcare professional
Newborns should not be exposed to direct sunlight due to their sensitive skin

Melanoma Risk Factors

The risk of developing melanoma is doubled for individuals who have experienced five or more sunburns in their lifetime.
Other risk factors include:
- Cumulative exposure to UV radiation from sunlight and tanning beds
- High number of moles, large-sized moles, or atypical moles
- Fair skin, freckles, blonde or red hair, or light-colored eyes
- Past history of melanoma or nonmelanoma skin cancer
- Having a close family member with melanoma
- Weakened immune system due to a disease process or medical treatment

Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Risk Factors

UV radiation from the sun is believed to be the cause of most nonmelanoma skin cancers. Sunlight contains UVB and UVA rays.
- UVB rays are absorbed by the top layer of skin and cause sunburn.
- UVA rays penetrate deeper, causing tissue damage.
- Both types of rays are believed to cause DNA alterations and suppress immunity.
The amount of UV radiation reaching the earth is increasing due to ozone layer depletion, increasing the risk of skin cancers.
Geographic, environmental, and lifestyle factors affect UV exposure.
- People living close to the equator and at higher altitudes receive greater UV radiation exposure.
- Amount of clothing worn, time of day, and time spent in the sun also influence exposure.
Exposure to UV radiation in tanning booths contributes to nonmelanoma skin cancer development.
Certain chemicals linked to nonmelanoma skin cancer include:
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in coal, tar, asphalt, soot, and mineral oils.
- Psoralens, used in conjunction with UVA for psoriasis treatment.
Ionizing radiation (e.g., x-ray therapy for tinea capitis and radium treatment for other malignancies), viral infections like human papillomavirus, and physical trauma are also risk factors.
Host factors contributing to nonmelanoma skin cancer risk include:
- Skin pigmentation: Individuals with darker skin have a lower incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer due to increased melanin production, providing protection from UV rays.
- Premalignant lesions, such as actinic keratosis, increase the risk.
- Organ transplant recipients who undergo immunosuppression are at risk for squamous cell cancer.

Actinic Keratosis Risk Factors

Actinic keratosis is most prevalent in people with light-colored skin and rare in people with dark skin.

Melanoma

Clinical Manifestations:
- Congenital nevi, precursor to melanoma
- Dysplastic nevi, precursor to melanoma
- Lentigo maligna, precursor to melanoma
- Malignant melanoma:
  - Ranges in color from brown to black
  - Often slightly raised, with an irregular surface and fairly regular border
  - Can range in size from small to covering the entire body
  - Have irregular pigmentation with mixtures of tan, brown, black, red, and pink
  - May have an area of lighter pigmentation surrounded by an area of deeper pigmentation
  - Irregular borders
  - Often appear on the face, trunk, and arms but can be seen on the scalp, female breast, groin, and buttocks
- Tan or black patch on the skin that looks like a freckle
- Grows slowly, becoming mottled, dark, thick, and nodular
- Usually seen on one side of the face in an older adult who has had a large amount of sun exposure
- Asymmetrical, with an irregular border
- Color variegation
- Diameter greater than 6 mm (the size of a pencil eraser)
Clinical Therapies:
- Surgical excision
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Regular examinations to assess for recurrence

Nonmelanomas

Clinical Manifestations:
- Nodular basal cell carcinoma:
  - Papule that looks like a smooth pimple that grows at a steady rate
  - Skin over the tumor is shiny and may be pearly white, pink, or flesh colored
  - Chance of visible telangiectasis
  - Tumor may ulcerate at the center or periphery and bleed easily from mild injury
- Superficial basal cell carcinoma:
  - Appears as a flat papule or plaque, often erythematous, with well-defined borders
  - Tumor may ulcerate and be covered with crusts or shallow erosions
  - Most common on the trunk and extremities
- Pigmented basal cell carcinoma:
  - Dark brown, blue, or black, with a shiny surface and well-defined borders
  - Typically found on the head, face, and neck
- Morpheaform basal cell carcinoma:
  - Resembles a flat ivory or flesh-colored scar that forms finger-like projections that extend along dermal tissue planes
  - Usually develops on the head and neck
- Keratotic basal cell carcinoma:
  - Appears similar to nodular basal cell carcinoma
  - Begins as a small, firm, red nodule that may be crusted with keratin products
  - Tumors that ulcerate, bleed, and become painful as they grow
  - Causes the area around the nodule to harden as the tumor extends into the surrounding tissue and becomes a nodule
  - Most common on areas of skin exposed to UV rays, such as the forehead, helix of the ear, top of the nose, lower lip, and back of the hands
- Squamous cell cancer:
  - Tumors that ulcerate, bleed, and become painful as they grow
Clinical Therapies:
- Surgical excision
- Curettage and electrodesiccation
- Cryotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Biological therapy
- Vaccines
- Regular examinations to assess for recurrence

Actinic Keratosis

Clinical Manifestations:
- Erythematous, rough macules a few millimeters in diameter
- Often shiny but may be scaly; if scales are removed, underlying skin bleeds
- Occur in multiple patches, primarily on the face, dorsa of the hands, the forearms, and sometimes on the upper trunk
- Enlargement or ulceration of the lesions suggests transformation to malignancy
Clinical Therapies:
- Cryosurgery
- Topical creams or gels
- Shave excision
- Curettage and electrodesiccation
- Photodynamic therapy
- Chemical peels
- Laser surgery
- Monitoring for changes or abnormalities in lesion(s)

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Description

This quiz covers essential strategies for preventing skin cancer through primary prevention methods. Learn about the importance of sunscreen, protective clothing, and regular skin checks to safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays. Discover the right practices for individuals of all ages, including infants.