Iligan Medical Center College

College of Nursing Midwifery and Health Aide

SKIN CANCER
A Written Report

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirement for the Course
NCM 104

Submitted to:

Citadale Loberanes, R.N., M.D.

Submitted by:

Jehela Abecia
Lalaine Diaz

October 2010
Definition of Terms:

Cancer- a group of diseases in which cells multiply w/o restraint, destroys healthy
tissue, & endangers life

Neoplasia – new, altered and abnormal development of cells that may be benign or
malignant

Tumor – mass or swelling in or on the body

Anaplasia – means lack of differentiation

Biopsy – the removal & examination of tissue from the living body

Carcinogenesis – development of cancerous cells from normal ones

Carcinoma – any malignant tumor derived from epithelial tissue

Chemotherapy – treatment of disease, especially cancer, by means of chemical

agents/drugs

Dysplasia – means deranged development, disordered maturation

Hyperplasia – constitutes an increase in the number of cells in organ or tissue, which

may then have increased volume

Proliferation- refers to the process of cell renewal or replacement. In cancer,

proliferation process continues without the normal control mechanisms.

Differentiation- refers to the process by which cells diversify, acquire specific structural
and functional characteristics and mature. Cells in cancer are poorly differentiated.

What is Cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The term describes all forms of
neoplastic diseases that are malignant and can cause death.

Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. It is estimated that over 1
million new cases occur annually. The annual rates of all forms of skin cancer are
increasing each year, representing a growing public concern. It has also been estimated
that nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer at least
once.

The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the
skin, such as a new growth or a sore that will not heal.

The term "skin cancer" refers to three different conditions. From the least to the most
dangerous, they are:

 basal cell carcinoma (or basal cell carcinoma epithelioma)

 squamous cell carcinoma (the first stage of which is called actinic keratosis

 melanoma
The two most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous
cell carcinoma. Together, these two are also referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer.
Melanoma is generally the most serious form of skin cancer because it tends to spread
(metastasize) throughout the body quickly. Skin cancer is also known as skin neoplasia.

Carcinogenesis: the origin of cancer

There are numerous theories espoused as to the cause of cancer. Cancer begins when
a normal cell is transformed into a neoplastic cell by a transforming agent by exposure
or interaction. These agents are called carcinogens that can permanently change the
DNA structure of the cell. Some other agents are called co-carcinogens because they
can alter genetic information in the cell enhancing cellular transformation.

Cellular Transformation & Derangement Theory= normal cells may be transformed

into cancer cells due to exposure to some etiologic agents

Failure of the Immune Response Theory= all individuals possess cancer cells,
however, cancer cells are recognized by the immune response system and they
undergo destruction. The failure of the immune response system will lead to inability of
the WBC to destroy cancer cells

AGENTS THAT CAN PREDISPOSE TO CANCER:

1. Chemical carcinogens-( tobacco, ether, benzene, coal tar and asbestos)

 These act by causing cell mutation or alteration in cell enzymes & proteins
causing altered cell replication. Some other examples are: Industrial compounds,
Spoilt Foods, and preservatives like nitrites.
2. Physical Agents
o Radiation Physical irritation/trauma, ultraviolet rays form diagnostic or
therapeutic x-rays, radioisotopes, sunlight
o These will usually cause cancer after long time of exposure and
interaction
3. Genetics. The human DNA has specific genes for cancer called= Oncogene.
When this gene is exposed to carcinogens, there will be changes in cell
structure, and growth behavior, leading to become malignant cells.
4. Viruses- these viruses are called oncogenic viruses. They infect the host DNA or
RNA resulting in cell mutation. They can be DNA viruses like the Hepatitis B
virus, HSV, HPV, Epstein Barr virus. The RNA viruses are the HIV and the
HTCLV.
5. Immune system alterations- as seen in patients with immunodeficiency disease,
the elderly and those receiving immunosuppressant drugs.
6. Hormonal factors- hormones make the cell more sensitive to the process of
carcinogenesis or may encourage the growth and spread of an established
tumor. The hormone-responsive tissues are considered targets for four types of
cancers- prostate, breast, brain and endometrium.
7. Dietary factors- some studies link dietary factors to cancer development. High fat
diet and low fiber intake for colon cancer. Other dietary practices are – coffee
intake, nitrosamines and vitamin deficiencies.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS

1. Age – older people are more prone. This is a very important factor for cancer
development.
 2. Sex – women for breast, men for prostate
3. Urban versus Rural residence
4. Geographic distribution
5. Occupation
6. Heredity
7. Stress
8. Precancerous lesions- these can lead to transformation into Cancer
9. Obesity [breast and colorectal]

WARNING SIGNALS OF CANCER [CAUTION] by the American Cancer Society

(ACS)

C – Change in bowel or bladder habits

A – A sore that does not heal

U – Unusual bleeding/discharge; unexplained anemia and sudden weight loss

T – Thickening or lumps in breast or elsewhere

I – indigestion or difficulty of swallowing

O – Obvious change in wart or mole

N – Nagging cough or hoarseness of voice

CHARACTERISTICS OF BENIGN & MALIGNANT NEOPLASM

Characteristics Benign Malignant

Speed of Growth Grows slowly Grows rapidlly

Mode of Growth Remains localized Infiltratessurrounding tissues

Capsule Encapsulated Not encapsulated

Cell characteristics Well differentiated Poorly differentiated

Recurrences Extremely unusual Common following surgery

Metastasis Never occur Very common

Effect of neoplasm Not harmful to host Always harmful

Prognosis Very good prognosis Poor prognosis

Distinguishing Characteristics of Neoplastic cells

Benign cells are typically encapsulated non-invasive and highly differentiated.

Mitosis is rare and the growth is very slow. Metastasis does not happen.
 Malignant cells are non-encapsulated, invasive and poorly differentiated. They
have uncontrolled proliferation that can be erratic. The cells contain few identified
cellular characteristics, they have altered biochemical properties such as hormone-like
secretions and they have chromosomal instability. They can potentially cause new
mutation in the cancer cells rendering them resistant to therapy. They metastasize to
distant sites.

HEALTH PROMOTION: PREVENTING SKIN CANCER

 Do not try to tan if your skin burns easily

 Avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun especially during 10AM-#PM
 Avoid sunburn
 Apply sunscreen when in the sun; sunscreen block harmful sunrays
 Use sunscreen with an SPF15 or higher
 Reapply water-resistant sunscreen after swimming
 Avoid oils
 Use lip balm that contains a sunscreen
 Wear protective clothing
 Don’t not use sun lamps for indoor tanning

 Pressure
 Obstruction
(Paraneoplastic Syndrome)
 Pain
 Effusion Anemia
 Thrombosis,
 Embolus
Hypercalcemia
 thrombophleb
 Edema
itis  DIC