 |
|
 |
 |
| |
|
|
| |
| TIPS ON RECOGNIZING A SUSPICIOUS LESION |
 |
by Risha Bellomo, MPAS, PA-C - January 24, 2012
|
No matter if you are in family practice, cardiology or seeing a patient in the emergency room there is no reason to miss a suspicious lesion. The skin is the largest organ and you cannot miss it. Whenever you are examining a patient you are looking at their skin and this is a perfect time to recognize a pre-cancerous lesion or skin cancer and bring it to the patient’s attention. If you do not biopsy or treat skin lesions then refer them to your local dermatologist for a full skin examination.
Warning Signs of Skin Cancer and Melanoma
-
Changes in the surface of a mole.
-
Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or the appearance of a new bump.
-
Spread of pigment from the border of a mole into the surrounding skin.
-
Change in sensation including itchiness, tenderness or pain.
The ABCDs of Melonoma
-
Asymmetry – One half does not match the other half in size, shape, color or thickness.
-
Border Irregularity – The edges are ragged, scalloped or poorly defined.
-
Color – The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Dashes of red, white and blue add to the mottled appearance.
-
Diameter – While melanomas are usually greater than 6mm in diameter (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller. If you notice a mole different from others, or which changes, itches, or bleeds (even if it is small), you should refer to a dermatologist.
Some Simple Tips for the Summer and to Protect You and Your Patients from Sun Exposure
-
Seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
-
Wear sunglasses, UV hats and clothing.
-
Do not allow yourself to burn: One single burn increases your risk of melanoma.
-
Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths. People who use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma. And overall chances of developing melanoma are tripled.
-
Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher with UVA and UVB protection. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours.
-
Keep infants out of direct sunlight. They possess little melanin and are much more susceptible to burns.
-
Examine your skin from head to toe once a month.
-
Look for cancer warning signs as mentioned above.
-
Refer to a dermatologist once a year for a skin cancer screening, this includes children and teenagers.
These are tips you can share with your patients but also can use yourself and with your own family. Join me as we go skin deep into the specialty of dermatology for a full day of educational fun at Skin, Bones, Hearts and Private Parts.
Passionate About Derm!
Risha Bellomo, MPAS, PA-C
Advanced Dermtology
Orlando, FL
With over 18 years of healthcare experience, Risha practices at Advanced Dermatology in Orlando, FL, where she specializes in the treatment of skin, hair and nail disorders and performs surgery with a variety of cosmetic procedures. Her sub-specialties include pediatric dermatology, psoriasis, acne, advanced Botox® techniques, dermal fillers, laser treatment and sclerotherapy. Risha speaks on a national level and is a columnist for the Journal of Dermatology Physician Assistants and Skin & Aging.
Risha will be speaking at the upcoming DMGCME conferences in Las Vegas and Walt Disney World.
The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.
RECOMMEND THIS ARTICLE
You must be logged in
to recommend articles
|
 |
|
|
| Bob Blumm (Amityville, NY) |
on 29 Jan 2012 at 9:01 pm |
|
I love your enthusiasm Risha. The message is simple and well known to those that have been on the path for a while but still bears repeating, particularly for those not practicing Derm. If you do any kind of PE than this is a basic part of each exam and it's the ;largest organ therefore shame on you if you miss something. more importantly, melanoma, undiagnosed, is a death sentence.
Bob |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
