Skin cancer nursing NCLEX review on basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, and melanoma.

Skin cancer occurs when cells in the epidermis turn into cancerous cells. The type of skin cancer depends on the cell type affected in the epidermis.

There are two main types of skin cancer: nonmelanoma and melanoma

Nonmelanoma skin cancer includes basal and squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cell skin cancer originates from the basal cell in the stratum basale, and squamous cell skin cancer originates from the keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum.

Actinic keratosis is a precancerous type of skin cancer that can turn into squamous cell carcinoma, if not removed.

Melanoma skin cancer occurs when melanocytes mutate into cancerous cell. Melanocytes release a substance called melanin that gives the hair, skin, and eyes their color. The melanocytes are found in the stratum basale.

Basal cell carcinoma appears as a waxy, glossy lesion with a slightly depressed center and raised edges. It is the most common type of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma appears as a crusty, scaly lesion that can be pink or reddish and is raised. It is faster growing than BCC and can metastasize.

Melanoma can be identified by using the acronym ABCDE. It will be asymmetrical, have uneven borders, dark or multiple colors, diameter greater than 6 mm, and evolve in shape/size/color. It is highly aggressive and can metastasize to the lungs, brain, eyes, if not caught early.

Watch the video for the nursing interventions for skin cancer (includes prevention, risk factors, ABCDE assessment, and treatment).

#skincancer #melanoma #oncologynursing

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