The nurse is getting the history of a patient with a history of long heavy sun exposure who presents with multiple lesions concerning for skin cancer. The lesions are pearly white, almost translucent, with a central depression. The patient remembers plenty of days of sun exposure as a child with frequent sunburns and says she has kept up the same habits as an adult. Which of the following statements is most correct regarding this patient’s condition?

Question

The nurse is getting the history of a patient with a history of long heavy sun exposure who presents with multiple lesions concerning for skin cancer.  The lesions are pearly white, almost translucent, with a central depression.  The patient remembers plenty of days of sun exposure as a child with frequent sunburns and says she has kept up the same habits as an adult.  Which of the following statements is most correct regarding this patient&rsquo;s condition?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis is confirmed through biopsy. This patient presents with lesions consistent with basal cell carcinoma, namely pearly, white slow-growing almost translucent lesions with a central depression.  Basal cell carcinoma is strongly linked to chronic sun exposure.  Diagnosis is confirmed as always by biopsy and cytology.  First line therapy is Mohs micrographically controlled microsurgery, not cryosurgery.  Basal cell carcinoma is usually radiosensitive and radiotherapy is indicated as part of the treatment for large or recurrent lesions.

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