Risk assessment and early detection of skin cancers.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a systematic method for skin cancer assessment, applying current standard practices for integration into nursing practice. To provide the fundamentals of performing a skin cancer assessment for the nonmelanoma skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinomas, and melanoma. Included in this discussion are risk profile calculations, mechanics of skin cancer assessment, descriptions of suspicious lesions, patient management, and follow-up.


METHODS
Textbooks, research, review of the literature, and clinical experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Skin cancer assessment is a skill that nurses can learn and implement into practice.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge and practice of good skin cancer assessment skills enhances nursing competence and positively influences patient outcomes.
Maguire-Eisen
Maryellen
M
South Shore Skin Center, 45 Resnik Road, Suite 102, Plymouth, MA 02360-4843, USA.
D001706:Biopsy; D004282:Documentation / Q000379:methods; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods*; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010375:Pedigree; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects