Question

Research skin cancer and choose one of the varieties and discuss what factors increase a patient’s risk, symptoms and outcomes. What role does a MA play in the patient education to prevent and care for this disease?

Answer 1

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells . Skin cancer is of three types :-

- basal cell carcinoma

- squamous cell carcinoma

- melanoma

I am choosing Melanoma for the discussion

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It develops in the melanocytes which produce melanin.

Causes :-

The exact cause is not known but some of the factors are :-

- exposure to ultraviolet radiation

- exposure to tanning lamps

- fair skin

- cosmetic agents

- history of sunburn

- weakened immune system

- family history of melanoma

Symptoms are :-

- Melanoma can develop any part of the body , mostly in the area where sun exposure is more .

- change in existing mole

- development of new pigmented mole which are asymmetric , irregular border ,changes in colour and evolving

- unusual looking growth of skin

# Prevention :-

- wear sunscreen

- avoid exposure to sun in the middle of the day

- wear protective clothing

- avoid tanning lamps and beds

- be aware of the skin changes

MA is medical assistant is allied health professional who support the work of doctors and other professionals .

MA also a plays an important role in providing health education to the patients by explaining in details about the disease condition its sign and symptoms , causes , treatment options and prognosis in a language which is understood by the patients and asli provide psychological and emotional support to them