Podcast
Questions and Answers
A patient is diagnosed with a skin cancer that rarely metastasizes. Which type of skin cancer is the MOST likely diagnosis?
A patient is diagnosed with a skin cancer that rarely metastasizes. Which type of skin cancer is the MOST likely diagnosis?
- Merkel cell carcinoma
- Basal cell carcinoma (correct)
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Malignant Melanoma
Which treatment is LEAST likely to be used for treating squamous cell carcinoma?
Which treatment is LEAST likely to be used for treating squamous cell carcinoma?
- Surgical removal
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Topical creams (correct)
A patient notices a mole with irregular borders and changes in color. What is the MOST important next step?
A patient notices a mole with irregular borders and changes in color. What is the MOST important next step?
- Consult a doctor for evaluation and possible biopsy (correct)
- Schedule a follow-up appointment in 6 months.
- Begin applying sunscreen daily.
- Monitor the mole for further changes.
Which skin cancer arises from malignant keratinocytes?
Which skin cancer arises from malignant keratinocytes?
Fluorouracil, used in topical preparations, helps treat superficial basal cell carcinomas by:
Fluorouracil, used in topical preparations, helps treat superficial basal cell carcinomas by:
What critical characteristic distinguishes malignant melanoma from basal cell carcinoma?
What critical characteristic distinguishes malignant melanoma from basal cell carcinoma?
Which of the following is NOT a typical treatment for malignant melanoma?
Which of the following is NOT a typical treatment for malignant melanoma?
When is liquid nitrogen cryotherapy MOST likely to be used in the treatment of skin cancer?
When is liquid nitrogen cryotherapy MOST likely to be used in the treatment of skin cancer?
A patient is using imiquimod cream. What is its primary mechanism of skin cancer treatment?
A patient is using imiquimod cream. What is its primary mechanism of skin cancer treatment?
Why is it critical for a patient to report any changes in a mole, such as discoloration or irregular borders, to their healthcare provider?
Why is it critical for a patient to report any changes in a mole, such as discoloration or irregular borders, to their healthcare provider?
Flashcards
Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer
Occurs when skin tissues are damaged; major types include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Most common type of skin cancer; rarely metastasizes.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Arises from malignant keratinocytes; can metastasize.
Malignant Melanoma
Malignant Melanoma
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Mole Changes
Mole Changes
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment
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Malignant Melanoma Treatment
Malignant Melanoma Treatment
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Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment
Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment
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Fluorouracil/imiquimod
Fluorouracil/imiquimod
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Study Notes
- Occurs when the skin tissue is damaged
Major Types of Skin Cancer
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Malignant melanoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma Details
- Most common type of skin cancer
- Rarely metastasizes (spreads)
- Treatments include:
- Surgical excision
- Topical preparations for superficial basal cell carcinomas like:
- Fluorouracil: affects the rapidly dividing cancer cells
- imiquimod: a topical immunomodulator that stimulates the immune system
- Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy is another possible treatment
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Details
- Arises from malignant keratinocytes (most common type of skin cells that produce keratin)
- Can metastasize
- Treatments include:
- Surgical removal
- Radiation therapy
Malignant Melanoma Details
- Incidence is quickly rising
- Characterized by unpredictable cancer spread through the lymphatic system and blood
- Patients are instructed to notify their doctor if a nevus (mole) or discolored skin area changes in color, grows, or develops irregular borders as this could be a sign of cancer and a biopsy may be needed
- Treatments include:
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
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Description
This article discusses types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. It details the characteristics, treatments, and potential for metastasis for each type. Treatments include surgical excision, topical preparations, cryotherapy, and radiation therapy.
