Week 2: Case Study 1
A 30 year old female presented with a tan-brown growth on her back. The patient had been totally unaware of the tumor until it was pointed out by a patron in a bridal shop when she was trying on dresses. The patron happened to be the wife of a dermatologist; she informed the patient of the lesion and encouraged her to get seen stat.
Past History: Unremarkable health history. Patient reported frequent sunburns throughout life due to frequent sun exposure through her late teens and mid twenties.
The patient is a red haired female with fair skin. Eye color is green.
The lesion is approximately 1 cm. It was wart-like. Its surface was thick and scaly. Its texture was rough and sandpaper-like. There was no evidence of bleeding when touched.
Recommendations: Biopsy. Further intervention is to be performed once diagnosis is confirmed.
What type of skin cancer is suspect? What type of treatment would be recommended? What is the prognosis? Your opinion must be supported by reputable link(s).
At the end of your initial post, select 10 medical terms related to this body system, and provide their meanings . 🙂
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Based on the case study provided, a 30-year-old female presented with a tan-brown growth on her back. This patient had frequent sunburns throughout her life due to sun exposure in her late teens and mid-twenties. Based on the patient’s symptoms, it is recommended that a biopsy be done with further intervention performed once a diagnosis is confirmed. In this assignment, we will determine the type of skin cancer that is suspect, recommended treatment, and the prognosis. Furthermore, we will provide ten medical terms related to this body system with their meanings.
Answer:
The type of skin cancer that is suspect is most likely basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and usually affects the sun-exposed skin of the head, neck, and upper trunk. The characteristics of the lesion, such as its wart-like appearance and scaly texture, are consistent with basal cell carcinoma. A biopsy is recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for basal cell carcinoma typically involves surgical removal of the tumor. Other treatment options may include cryotherapy, curettage and electrodessication, radiation therapy, and topical medications. The prognosis for basal cell carcinoma is generally very good, with a low recurrence rate and a low risk of metastasis.
Sources:
1. American Cancer Society. (n.d.) Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer.
Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer.html
2. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.) Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment.
Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/basal-cell-treatment-pdq
Ten medical terms related to the skin:
1. Epidermis – The outermost layer of the skin
2. Dermis – The middle layer of the skin
3. Subcutaneous – Located beneath the skin
4. Melanocytes – Cells that produce pigment in the skin
5. Keratin – A protein that makes up hair, nails, and the outer layer of the skin
6. Sebaceous glands – Glands in the skin that produce oil
7. Apocrine glands – Sweat glands that are found in the armpits and groin area
8. Hypodermis – The deepest layer of the skin
9. Melanoma – A type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes
10. Actinic keratosis – A precancerous skin condition caused by sun damage.
