Skin Cancer: Melanoma; Basal cell carcinoma; Squamous cell carcinoma
Skin Cancer: Melanoma; Basal cell carcinoma; Squamous cell carcinoma ( 15 Questions)
A nurse is assessing a client's skin for potential signs of skin cancer. Which of the following clinical presentations should the nurse consider as indicative of melanoma?
"I have noticed some open sores on my skin that don't seem to heal." This statement may indicate a potential issue with wound healing, but it is not specific to melanoma.
Open sores that don't heal can be associated with various skin conditions, including basal cell carcinoma or non-cancerous issues.
It does not provide strong evidence of melanoma.
"My moles have been changing in size and color." This statement is indicative of melanoma.
Melanoma often presents as changes in the size, shape, color, or appearance of existing moles.
Such changes are a key warning sign of melanoma, and individuals are advised to monitor their moles for any alterations.
"I have red, scaly patches on my skin." Red, scaly patches are more commonly associated with other skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, rather than melanoma.
While skin changes can occur with melanoma, they are typically related to moles.
"I have pink growths with raised edges." Pink growths with raised edges are more characteristic of basal cell carcinoma rather than melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma often presents as pearly or pinkish growths with raised borders.
Melanoma typically involves moles and exhibits different characteristics.
Choice A rationale:
"I have noticed some open sores on my skin that don't seem to heal." This statement may indicate a potential issue with wound healing, but it is not specific to melanoma.
Open sores that don't heal can be associated with various skin conditions, including basal cell carcinoma or non-cancerous issues.
It does not provide strong evidence of melanoma.
Choice B rationale:
"My moles have been changing in size and color." This statement is indicative of melanoma.
Melanoma often presents as changes in the size, shape, color, or appearance of existing moles.
Such changes are a key warning sign of melanoma, and individuals are advised to monitor their moles for any alterations.
Choice C rationale:
"I have red, scaly patches on my skin." Red, scaly patches are more commonly associated with other skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, rather than melanoma.
While skin changes can occur with melanoma, they are typically related to moles.
Choice D rationale:
"I have pink growths with raised edges." Pink growths with raised edges are more characteristic of basal cell carcinoma rather than melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma often presents as pearly or pinkish growths with raised borders.
Melanoma typically involves moles and exhibits different characteristics.