Angelite Nurses: Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer

General information

Types of skin cancers

Basal cell epithelioma: most common type of skin cancer; locally invasive and rarely metastasizes; most frequently located between the hairline and upper lip
Squamous cell carcinoma (epidermoid): grows more rapidly than basal cell carcinoma and can metastasize; frequently seen on mucous membranes, lower lip, neck, and dorsum of the hands
Malignant melanoma: least frequent of skin cancers, but most serious; capable of invasion and metastasis to other organs

Precancerous lesions

Leukoplakia: white, shiny patches in the mouth and on the lip
Nevi (moles): junctional nevus may become malignant (signs include a color change to black, bleeding, and irritation); compound and dermal nevi unlikely to become cancerous
Senile keratoses: brown, scalelike spots on older individuals

Contributing factors include hereditary predisposition (fair, blue-eyed people; redheads and blondes); irritation (chemicals or ultraviolet rays)
Occurs more often in those with outdoor occupations who are exposed to more sunlight

Medical management: varies depending on type of cancer; surgical excision with or without radiation therapy most common; chemotherapy and immunotherapy for melanoma
Assessment findings: characteristics depend on specific type of lesion; biopsy reveals malignant cells
Nursing interventions: provide client teaching concerning

Limitation of contact with chemical irritants
Protection against ultraviolet radiation from sun

Wear thin layer of clothing.
Use sun block or lotion containing para-amino benzoic acid (PABA).

Need to report lesions that change characteristics and/or those that do not heal.

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