The Pathophysiology of Skin Cancers, Coursework Example

The intent of this paper will be to elaborate and describe in detail, the origin, pathology, the cell characteristics, symptoms, as well as methods of diagnosis and treatment for the three types of most common skin cancers. These include both nonmelanoma skin cancers as well as melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, as well as squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. This study details both the common factors that increase ones likelihood of such a skin cancer disease happening to an individual and it also details which preventative measures one can take in order to avoid or minimize their risks of getting skin cancers, which include regular screenings, avoiding sun exposure, and avoiding tanning facilities.

There are many common types of diseases which occur in the US, and some even more common ones seen by skin specialists, or dermatologists. One such type is nonmelanoma skin cancer, which has basically two branches: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. This is not only the most common type of skin cancer, but the most common type of cancer occurrence in the United States. Certain characteristics or risk factors, signify an increased chance or likelihood, of this cancer, occurring in individuals. Amongst these factors including hereditary patterns, and organ transplants. The most prominent risk is the use of tanning beds, excessively, for both of these types of cancers. According, to the American Physical Society, “Skin lesions with malignant features is the key characteristic for both these types of melanoma. (2009). Therefore, when a physician is doing a physical examination of a patient, he or she should check for any types of skin rashes or lesions, which may demonstrate odd features, out of the normal skin patterns, and have these checked for pathology.

The pathology of the first type of skin cancer, Basal cell carcinoma, originates from the “basal keratinocytes of the epidermis, hair follicles, and eccrine sweat ducts. These cells have a large nuclei, and it does not proliferate via the blood or lymphatic system? The cell stroma is what is required for its growth and spread of this cancer. (APS 2009). In other words, this is a completely external means of skin cancer, unassociated with internal organs, and systems, as well as not pertaining to the person’s blood. It involves the skin, its cells, and cell components. “This type of skin cancer grows slowly,

According to the American Dermatology Association, and it rarely spreads to deeper parts of the body. However, treatment is vital as this type of cancer can, grow wide and deep and destroy both bone and skin tissues” (2015). Therefore, in other

Words, although the pathology of this type of skin cancer is primarily external and skin related, if left untreated, it can deteriorate and progress to ravish both a person’s bones and tissues and affect the blood, in the long run. Risks specific to basal cell carcinoma also include: having blue or green eyes, exposure to radiation, many moles, and excessive sun exposure (US National Library of Medicine 2013). In other words, although these characteristics are not a guarantee that one has skin cancer, these can be signals or predecessors that such a likelihood is stronger. Characteristics specific to basal cell carcinoma include sores that do not heal, and oozing or leaking sores, as well as waxy unnatural type of skin texture. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, however, squamous skin cancer, does go beneath the surface of the skin layer, and involves both nerves, tissues, and most certainly blood of the individual? This is the pathology of squamous skin cancer. For both these types of cancers, diagnosis and treatments include, first examining on a physical level the skin and its texture, any moles, any abnormalities? Followed by a biopsy. Treatments include anything from medication, to chemotherapy, radiation, and or surgery.

Also, one may have heard that if they see an unusual or new mold, growth or sore on their skin, it should be checked by a professional. This type of occurrence refers to

Malignant melanoma, a third type of skin cancer, dealing with abnormalities in skin moles and spots. If a mole changes in its diameter, color, or if it becomes asymmetrical suddenly, this is a cause for attention and referring to a doctor. According to the American Cancer society, “The most important warning sign for melanoma is a new spot on the skin or a spot that is changing in size, shape, or color. Another important sign is a spot that looks different from all of the other spots on your skin” (2015) these are the cell characteristics for malignant melanoma. In addition, as are the signs and symptoms and cell characteristics of the prior mentioned skin cancers, any type of new growth, redness, swelling or lesions, all can signal any three of these 3 types of skin cancers. Diagnosis and treatment for this type of skin cancer is also similar in that a dermatologist may do a dermatoscopy, a physical examination, and may check lymph nodes under the skin, and do a biopsy on any skin which appears abnormal to you, such as red, itchy skin, or new spots, and/or new growths on the skin. Patient education includes, being aware of the person’s skin and any new growths, or abnormalities and getting these checked promptly? Also, being aware of a person’s hereditary factors or tendencies for skin cancers and seeking out help earlier on. Staying away from radiation as much as possible, as well as limiting or eliminating tanning beds is highly recommended in patient education.

References

US National Library of Medicine.(2013). Retreived at: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000824.htm.

American Physical Society. (2009). Retreived at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0715/p161.html

American Cancer Society (2015). Retreived at: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer­melanoma/detailedguide/melanoma­skin­cancer­signs­and ­symptoms

American Academy of Dermatology. (2015). Retrieved at: https://www.aad.org/dermatology­a­to­z/diseases­and­treatments/a­­­d/basal­cell­carcinoma