The nurse is educating adolescent high school students about when to seek medical attention regarding suspected cancerous skin lesions. Which of the following are included in the nurse's teaching? The lesion has:
An irregular border.
Asymmetrical shape.
Been increasing in size.
A diameter of less than 4 mm.
Ecchymosis.
Correct Answer : A,B,C
A. An irregular border is a key characteristic of potentially cancerous skin lesions, particularly melanoma. Melanomas often have uneven, poorly defined edges.
B. Asymmetry is another sign of melanoma. If one half of a lesion does not match the other in shape or size, it should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
C. Any lesion that has been increasing in size, particularly over a short period, is a concern and should be checked. Rapid growth can be a sign of malignancy.
D. A lesion with a diameter of less than 4 mm is generally less concerning, as most cancerous lesions are larger. However, the other factors (such as asymmetry and border irregularity) are more significant for diagnosis.
E. Ecchymosis (bruising) is not typically associated with cancerous skin lesions. Skin cancers like melanoma present as new or changing moles, not bruising.
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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
A. An irregular border is a key characteristic of potentially cancerous skin lesions, particularly melanoma. Melanomas often have uneven, poorly defined edges.
B. Asymmetry is another sign of melanoma. If one half of a lesion does not match the other in shape or size, it should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
C. Any lesion that has been increasing in size, particularly over a short period, is a concern and should be checked. Rapid growth can be a sign of malignancy.
D. A lesion with a diameter of less than 4 mm is generally less concerning, as most cancerous lesions are larger. However, the other factors (such as asymmetry and border irregularity) are more significant for diagnosis.
E. Ecchymosis (bruising) is not typically associated with cancerous skin lesions. Skin cancers like melanoma present as new or changing moles, not bruising.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A large cluster of pustules may indicate an infection or inflammatory process, but it is not necessarily indicative of an immediate danger compared to other options.
B. Raised, tubular, white areas may represent benign conditions, such as skin tags or cysts, which generally do not require urgent evaluation unless symptomatic.
C. Beige, small brown spots are often benign, such as liver spots or freckles; these typically do not signal immediate concern unless there are changes in size or color.
D. An irregular shaped, blue mole with white specks raises significant concern for potential melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer; any atypical characteristics in moles warrant immediate evaluation to rule out malignancy.