Medical-Surgical Nursing

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- A cancer of the epidermis
- Can invade locally
- Potentially metastatic
Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Cancer of the basal cell layer of the epidermis
- Can damage underlying tissues and progress to include vital structures
- Not usually metastatic
Malignant Melanoma
- Highly metastatic cancer
- Originates in the melanin-producing cells of epidermis
Biopsy: Punch
- 2-6 cm circular instrument
- Small circle of tissue removed to depth of SQ fat
- May be sutured
Biopsy: Shave
- Scalpel or razor blade
- Skin elevated above the surrounding tissue by injection of local anesthetic is shaved off
- For superficial or raised lesions
Biopsy: Excision
- Scalpel
- A deep incision is made and then sutured after the entire lesion is removed
- For large, deep lesions
Cryosurgery
- Freeze tissue by application of liquid nitrogen
- Cleanse with hydrogen peroxide and apply topical antimicrobial until healed
Signs and Symptoms: ABCD's of Melanoma
- Asymmetry
- Borders
- Color
- Diameter
Melanoma: Asymmetry

One side does not match the other
Melanoma: Borders
- Irregular
- Ragged
- Notched
- Blurred edges
Melanoma: Color
- Lack of uniformity in pigmentation
- Shades of tan, brown or black
Melanoma: Diameter

The width is greater than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
Topical Chemotherapy

5-flourouarcil cream for treatment actinic keratoses
Interferon

Post-op treatment of stage III or greater melanomas

Author

Anonymous

3662

Card Set

Medical-Surgical Nursing

Description

ATI

Updated

2010-01-03T04:49:46Z

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