Cancer And Malignancy Case Study

Katz_NU 556_Cancer & Malignancy Case Study_Week 4

1. What of this patient’s history are considered risk factors for melanoma, and what

are other warning signs?

Some risk factors for melanoma from the patient’s history are frequent exposure

to sun. Eric is fair and light skinned which puts him more at risk for sun damage

(National Guideline Clearinghouse, 2016). Eric has been delaying seeing a healthcare

provider even after noticing the new marking. Other warning signs should include that

the mole is growing larger and darker, and he has numerous nevi and freckles. The mole

is also in an area that is not exposed, leading the cancer to feed on hypoxic areas

(McCance & Huether, 2014).

2. Should Eric be concerned about the changes
Melanomas less than 1

mm have minimal chance of spreading (American Cancer Society, 2017). Eric’s Breslow

measurement is 2.2 mm. According to Medscape (as cited in American Cancer Society,

2005), with a Clark level IV, the melanoma has penetrated to the lower dermis but is not

found in lymph nodes, other organs, and has not ulcerated.

3. Does Melanoma always appear on the skin?

According the American Cancer Society (2017), melanoma can appear anywhere

on the skin. Usual markings appear on the trunk or back areas. Melanoma is usually a

cancer of the skin but not always so (Melanoma Research Foundation). There are 3

categories of melanoma. Cutaneous melanoma which consists of the skin, mucosal

melanoma, which occurs to the mucosal membranes of the body, and ocular melanoma.

4. What therapy is best for Eric?

Depending on the stage of the diagnosis, treatment of the screen detected

melanoma includes re-excision or wide excision once diagnosed by biopsy. There are

other treatments for squamous and basal cell carcinomas such as radiation therapy and

curettage (National Guideline Clearinghouse, 2016). If the melanoma were to progress
5. Discuss his prognosis

There are 4 types of melanoma that are produced by malignant transformation of melanocytes. For Eric’s case, he has superficial spreading melanoma which is the first

type and accounts for over 70 percent of all melanomas (Heistein MD, 2017). Biopsy and

excision of the melanoma is important. A cure is highly likely with early detection and

management. (McCance & Huether, 2014, p. 1642). As Eric’s provider I would offer

support and encourage family involvement. With biopsy and removal of skin, Eric may

become insecure with his own body. I would allow him to process all of the