Faculty Mentor
David Jackson
Major/Area of Research
Physician Assistant Studies
Description
Background. Skin cancer, while preventable, is diagnosed in 20% of Americans. All populations are susceptible, but factors that increase risk of development include: (a) male gender, (b) fair skin, (c) aging, (d) personal history of UV radiation exposure, and (e) previous history of skin cancer. Non-melanoma types, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, have a lower risk of metastasis while melanoma, if not detected early, can result in distant and fatal metastasis.
Methods. A review of the literature was completed using Google. The terms searched included: (a) skin cancer risk factors, (b) skin cancer prevention, (c) skin cancer screening. All searches were from 2010 to 2017. Textbook resources include (a) Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment, (b) Bates’ Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking, and (c) Cancer of the Skin.
Results. There is an increased risk in (a) men, (b) fair-skinned individuals, (c) individuals over 50, (d) individuals with UV radiation exposure from the sun or tanning beds (especially with blistering), (e) individuals with personal or family history of skin cancer, (f) individuals taking antibiotic and hormone therapy, (g) those with a history of HIV, and (h) immunosuppression. The most common types of skin cancer are (a) basal cell carcinoma, (b) squamous cell carcinoma, and (c) melanoma. Melanoma is the rarest, but most fatal form of skin cancer. Melanoma is likely to spread to nearby tissues making it difficult to localize and treat. Individuals at risk should have regular screenings and monitor existing moles for change in (a) shape, (b) size, (c) color, (d) border irregularity, (e) asymmetry, (f) itching, and (g) ulceration, as these are the presenting signs of melanoma. If a mole presents any of the aforementioned characteristics, a thorough exam and biopsy should be done to rule out malignancy. If diagnosis is made, further tests are performed to determine the stage and extent of metastasis, such as lymph node mapping and CT scan. The primary treatment option for non-melanoma and melanoma is surgical excision. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are often adjunctive therapy in melanoma with metastasis. Clinicians should be conscientious of moles and malignant features during examinations and individuals with risk factors should receive regular skin examinations. Prevention emphasizes avoiding sun exposure during the prime hours of 10AM-4PM, using sunscreen daily and wearing sun-protective clothing.
Conclusion. It is of utmost importance to educate the public on the dangers of skin cancer, proper use of sun protection and limited exposure to the sun. Although genetics is a major risk factor, proper sunscreen application, self-examinations and dermatologic screening can lower risk of development of non-melanoma types and melanoma. A few recommendations for prevention of skin cancer are as follows: (a) apply broad spectrum lotion daily (SPF 15 and above), (b) avoid tanning beds and/or any type of UV light, (c) wear long sleeve shirts and pants that cover the extremities, (d) wear a hat for protection of the head, and (e) avoid sun exposure between 10AM-4PM, when the rays are most damaging. When acted upon, these simple measures can make a difference in the prevention of skin cancer.
Included in
Have You Checked Your Skin Late?
Background. Skin cancer, while preventable, is diagnosed in 20% of Americans. All populations are susceptible, but factors that increase risk of development include: (a) male gender, (b) fair skin, (c) aging, (d) personal history of UV radiation exposure, and (e) previous history of skin cancer. Non-melanoma types, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, have a lower risk of metastasis while melanoma, if not detected early, can result in distant and fatal metastasis.
Methods. A review of the literature was completed using Google. The terms searched included: (a) skin cancer risk factors, (b) skin cancer prevention, (c) skin cancer screening. All searches were from 2010 to 2017. Textbook resources include (a) Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment, (b) Bates’ Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking, and (c) Cancer of the Skin.
Results. There is an increased risk in (a) men, (b) fair-skinned individuals, (c) individuals over 50, (d) individuals with UV radiation exposure from the sun or tanning beds (especially with blistering), (e) individuals with personal or family history of skin cancer, (f) individuals taking antibiotic and hormone therapy, (g) those with a history of HIV, and (h) immunosuppression. The most common types of skin cancer are (a) basal cell carcinoma, (b) squamous cell carcinoma, and (c) melanoma. Melanoma is the rarest, but most fatal form of skin cancer. Melanoma is likely to spread to nearby tissues making it difficult to localize and treat. Individuals at risk should have regular screenings and monitor existing moles for change in (a) shape, (b) size, (c) color, (d) border irregularity, (e) asymmetry, (f) itching, and (g) ulceration, as these are the presenting signs of melanoma. If a mole presents any of the aforementioned characteristics, a thorough exam and biopsy should be done to rule out malignancy. If diagnosis is made, further tests are performed to determine the stage and extent of metastasis, such as lymph node mapping and CT scan. The primary treatment option for non-melanoma and melanoma is surgical excision. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are often adjunctive therapy in melanoma with metastasis. Clinicians should be conscientious of moles and malignant features during examinations and individuals with risk factors should receive regular skin examinations. Prevention emphasizes avoiding sun exposure during the prime hours of 10AM-4PM, using sunscreen daily and wearing sun-protective clothing.
Conclusion. It is of utmost importance to educate the public on the dangers of skin cancer, proper use of sun protection and limited exposure to the sun. Although genetics is a major risk factor, proper sunscreen application, self-examinations and dermatologic screening can lower risk of development of non-melanoma types and melanoma. A few recommendations for prevention of skin cancer are as follows: (a) apply broad spectrum lotion daily (SPF 15 and above), (b) avoid tanning beds and/or any type of UV light, (c) wear long sleeve shirts and pants that cover the extremities, (d) wear a hat for protection of the head, and (e) avoid sun exposure between 10AM-4PM, when the rays are most damaging. When acted upon, these simple measures can make a difference in the prevention of skin cancer.