Skin Cancer Terminology and Burns

Skin Cancer Terminology

• Benign: Non-cancerous growth that does not spread to other parts of the body.
• Malignant: Presence of cancerous cells capable of metastasizing to other sites.
• Biopsy: Procedure for removing tissue or cell samples for laboratory testing.
• Metastasis: Cancer that has spread from its original location to another body part.
• Histology: Medical branch studying cell structure and function.

Types of Skin Cancer

• Non-melanoma: Includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
• Melanoma: A more aggressive type of skin cancer characterized by the ABCDE rule:
  • Asymmetry: One half differs from the other.
  • Border irregular: Edges are not smooth.
  • Color variations: Different colors within the mole.
  • Diameter >5mm: Larger than a pencil eraser.
  • Evolution: Changes in size, shape, or color.

Skin Cancer Treatment

• Surgery: Techniques include curettage and cryosurgery.
• Radiation therapy: Targets cancer cells with radiation.
• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Skin Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention

• UV Rays: Major risk factor for skin cancer.
• Prevention strategies:
  • Limit sun exposure.
  • Use sunscreen.
  • Wear protective clothing, like hats and long sleeves.

Burn Terminology

• Contractures: Permanent shortening of muscles leading to limited movement.
• Debridement: Removal of damaged tissue from wounds.
• Eschar: Dead tissue that is dry and dark in appearance.
• Hypertrophic scar: Thick, raised skin that remains within the boundaries of the wound.
• Keloid: Firm, smooth scar growth extending beyond the original wound.

Types of Burns

• Categories: Thermal, chemical, electrical, and radiation/solar burns.
• Depth classifications:
  • Superficial: Affects only the outer layer of skin.
  • Partial thickness: Involves deeper layers but not all the way through.
  • Full thickness: Extends through all skin layers, potentially affecting underlying tissues.

First Responder Actions for Burns

• Remove the source of the burn.
• Cool the burn with cool water.
• Remove clothing and jewelry from the burn area.
• Assess airway, breathing, and circulation.

Pathophysiology of Burns

• Major burns compromise the skin's normal physiological functions:
  • Water loss prevention.
  • Protection against bacterial entry.
  • Maintenance of body temperature.
• Burn injuries can lead to hypovolemic shock (burn shock):
  • Increased blood viscosity due to serum osmolality changes.
  • Higher risk of blood clots.

Collaborative Care for Burn Patients

• Pain management: Administer morphine as an analgesic.
• Infection risk: Potential increase in infection due to fluid shifts causing blood viscosity changes.
• Burn contractures: Implement interventions such as splinting, range of motion exercises, and promoting patient independence.

Explore the essential terminology and types of skin cancer through this informative quiz. Gain insights into benign and malignant conditions, along with treatment options such as surgery and biopsy. Understand melanoma characteristics using the ABCDE rule to spot potential risks.