Question

B)   The Integumentary System Case Scenario: A 45-year-old female has gone to a surgeon to discuss the possibility of a breast reduction surgery for her severe back pain. During the examination, the physician noticed a large, black mole on the calf of her right leg. When questioned about this, the patient states, “It has been there for years. However, it keeps getting larger and I have noticed that the color has changed to black in recent months. Do you think you could remove it when you do my breast reduction?” The surgeon performed a biopsy immediately. The results returned as malignant melanoma stage IIIb. The mole was surgically removed the next day. This patient was then immediately referred to an oncologist for treatment of her skin cancer.

Please answer the following:

1.   What risk factors are associated with melanoma?

2. As part of the education involved with the care of this patient, the nurse should educate the patient and family members about ways to reduce the risk factor for melanoma by emphasizing which interventions?

Answer 1

ANS. 1.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer affecting pigmentation cells of the skin. it may be painless or feel sore and itchy.

risk factors -

• age - elderly people are at higher risk.
• skin color - fair skin with blue eyes are at higher risk
• long-exposure to sun - sunburns not suntans
• many unusual moles
• close to a relative having melanoma

ANS. 2.

Ways to reduce the risk factor for melanoma -

• avoid the sun's harmful UV radiations - UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• become familiar with skin - noticing the skin regularly can keep you alert.
• wear sunscreen, protective clothing.
• avoid tanning beds

When it comes to skin cancer, prevention is a key concept to emphasize to your patients. The biggest risk factor for both nonmelanoma skin cancer and melanoma is UV radiation: the sun and its harmful rays. Avoidance of the sun is nearly impossible, but patients can develop many habits to avoid the sun's damage.