A lot of people have moles. Sometimes they are born with them, and other times they develop them. Moles can be beautiful, depending on how big and where they are positioned. Most of the time, they are harmless. However, sometimes they can start off harmless and progress into cancerous lesions. This paper will focus on the number one tool for patients to recognize melanomas, and that is teaching. Teaching patients how to monitor and look for certain characteristics between melanomas and moles can help reduce morbidity and mortality.
Malignant melanoma is the most lethal type of skin cancer. Its incidence has more than doubled in 30 years, increasing from 7 cases per 100,000 people to more than 18 cases per 100,000 people in 2003 (Lewis, Dirksen, …show more content…
Increased sun exposure burns the skin and alters the cells. A person’s ability to tan is a predictor of the risk of developing melanoma. (Gogas, Polyzos, Kirkwood, 2012) The Fitzpatrick Skin Type classification scale, helps determine how sensitive one is to the sun. It gives the probability of a certain complexion’s risk of melanoma over anothers. It is reliable and valid in whites, however not in other ethnic groups. (Lewis, Dirksen, Heitkemper, Bucher, 2014). Increased melanin found in darker skinned persons, is a natural sunscreen. Which makes darker skinned persons less susceptible to skin cancers. Even though people with a darker complexion have a lower chance of getting skin cancer, they can still get it and must be informed. By recognizing changes in moles or other established skin lesions, or closely monitoring new lesions that either ulcerate or don’t heal, skin cancer or a precancerous diagnosis enhances successful treatment. (Wingfield, …show more content…
The cornerstone of skin self-examination is the ABCDE rule. (Lewis, Dirskin, Heitkemper, Bucher, 2014) . First the skin must be examined for A-Asymmetry, B-Border irregularity, C-Color changes and variation, D-Diameter of 6mm or more, and E-Evolving in appearance. (Anderson, Holman 2011). After that is done, if anything is not looking normal, then the patient must report to their physician for a total body skin exam (Anderson, Holman 2011) If melanoma is suspected, total excision instead of a shave biopsy is required. This will increase the chances of a good prognosis (Anderson, Holman,
Malignant melanoma is the most lethal type of skin cancer. Its incidence has more than doubled in 30 years, increasing from 7 cases per 100,000 people to more than 18 cases per 100,000 people in 2003 (Lewis, Dirksen, …show more content…
Increased sun exposure burns the skin and alters the cells. A person’s ability to tan is a predictor of the risk of developing melanoma. (Gogas, Polyzos, Kirkwood, 2012) The Fitzpatrick Skin Type classification scale, helps determine how sensitive one is to the sun. It gives the probability of a certain complexion’s risk of melanoma over anothers. It is reliable and valid in whites, however not in other ethnic groups. (Lewis, Dirksen, Heitkemper, Bucher, 2014). Increased melanin found in darker skinned persons, is a natural sunscreen. Which makes darker skinned persons less susceptible to skin cancers. Even though people with a darker complexion have a lower chance of getting skin cancer, they can still get it and must be informed. By recognizing changes in moles or other established skin lesions, or closely monitoring new lesions that either ulcerate or don’t heal, skin cancer or a precancerous diagnosis enhances successful treatment. (Wingfield, …show more content…
The cornerstone of skin self-examination is the ABCDE rule. (Lewis, Dirskin, Heitkemper, Bucher, 2014) . First the skin must be examined for A-Asymmetry, B-Border irregularity, C-Color changes and variation, D-Diameter of 6mm or more, and E-Evolving in appearance. (Anderson, Holman 2011). After that is done, if anything is not looking normal, then the patient must report to their physician for a total body skin exam (Anderson, Holman 2011) If melanoma is suspected, total excision instead of a shave biopsy is required. This will increase the chances of a good prognosis (Anderson, Holman,