Pathology for massage

thickening of skin due to repeated rubbing and/or pressure

cause - formed in areas over bony prominences in mechanical trauma

signs - skin is thickened; corns are painful

risk - family history of bone abnormality

medical - address mechanical problem, padded shoes, salicylic acid, surgery

massage - use oil while massaging.

Description - abnormal growth of cells that is progressive and purposeless, comprising surrounding tissue.

Cause - genetic changes, often initiated or promoted by carcinogenic agents, transform a normal cell to a cancerous cell

Signs & Symptoms - vary on time, weakness, loss of appetite, muscle mass, bleeding, anemia, lowered immunity

medical- surgery, radiation, chemo, hormones and immunotherapy.

massage - refer to physician, careful history, consult Dr. modify massage based on location, stage and treatment

malignant growth affecting breasts of women

cause - unknown, may be due to estrogen

signs - no symptoms, hard lump, abnormal fluid discharge from nipples, redness and increased breast temp

risks - btwn 35 & 54, family history, menstruation at early age, late menopaus, no pregnancies or late pregnancies, ovarian/uterine cancer, exposure to radiation, oral contraceptive use

medical - surgery, chemo, radiation, hormone therapy

massage - refer to dr., elevate arm above heart if has edema, avoid radiation areas, avoid if you have infection and they are on chemo

malignant change in skin, which may be slow-growing (basal cell epithelioma) or rapidly growing with the potential to spread (squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma)

cause - dna mutations in epidermis from exposure to sun or radiation, chronic skin irritation, exposure to carcinogens, burn scars, ingestion of arsenic

• signs - swellings, blood vessels over lesion (basal cell)
• - palpable swelling that grows slowly (squamous cell)
• - arising from moles, irregular blue, red, white pigmented growths (melanoma)

Risk - outdoor employment, residence in sunny, warm climate, fair skin with blonde or red hair, blue eyes, moles, family history, males, older age, tanning salongs

medical - surgery, local application of creams, chemo, radiation, sunscreen, avoid sun exposure

massage - report unusual skin changes, consult dr before therapy, lower immunity from chemo/radiation