Prime Areas for Improvement in Skin Cancer Detection and how Technology Can Help


Book Description

About 5 million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2015, making skin cancer the most common cancer diagnosis in the United States. About 13,000 Americans will die from skin cancer in 2015. Often skin cancers are diagnosed at later stages, are expensive to treat, and result in fatalities. For melanoma, responsible for 75% of skin cancer deaths, the overall 5-year survival rate is 98% for skin lesions detected in their early stages, and this survival rate drops to 16% after the disease has spread to other organs. If these fatal skin cancers were detected earlier they would cost less to treat and result in better patient outcomes. There is no single resource available that maps the full state of the skin cancer care delivery, and most current views are colored by a stakeholder's perspective. We connected with stakeholders at different levels of the skin cancer care delivery system to create an overall picture of the system's current state and to identify gaps in care. We interviewed 9 skin cancer patients, 8 primary care physicians, and 9 dermatologists. Through this research, we discovered that the structure of how skin cancer care is delivered promotes opportunities to miss skin cancers and includes many barriers between initial cancer suspicion and disease diagnosis. Frequently patients do not evaluate themselves for skin cancer, primary care physicians have low accuracy in identifying skin cancers, and dermatologists manage a very small portion of the population who develop skin cancers. At a higher level, feedback between patients and physicians is frequently lost in the system, physicians are not accountable for patient outcomes, and patient health is not supported by the system until the patient identifies a health issue and acts to remedy the issue. To close these system gaps, we identified technologies, including micro-biopsies and electrical impedance spectrometry, which could be used to improve rates of skin cancer identification and promote better patient health outcomes. Additionally, we recommend physicians find a way to collaborate on cases, identify their own weaknesses in assessment, and capture patient outcomes to relay incorrect assessments to other physicians to improve future patient care.




The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer


Book Description

This document is a Call to Action to partners in prevention from various sectors across the nation to address skin cancer as a major public health problem. Many partners are essential to this effort, including federal, state, tribal, local, and territorial governments; members of the business, health care, and education sectors; community, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations; and individuals and families. The goal of this document is to increase awareness of skin cancer and to call for actions to reduce its risk.The first section describes the problem of skin cancer and its major risk factors. It also discusses the relationship between exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and health. The second section describes the current evidence on preventing skin cancer, including current initiatives in the United States and in other countries. The third section describes the gaps in research related to skin cancer prevention, highlighting areas of research where more work is needed. The fourth section identifies specific opportunities to prevent skin cancer by reducing UV exposure in the U.S. population and calls for nationwide action.




Fulfilling the Potential of Cancer Prevention and Early Detection


Book Description

Cancer ranks second only to heart disease as a leading cause of death in the United States, making it a tremendous burden in years of life lost, patient suffering, and economic costs. Fulfilling the Potential for Cancer Prevention and Early Detection reviews the proof that we can dramatically reduce cancer rates. The National Cancer Policy Board, part of the Institute of Medicine, outlines a national strategy to realize the promise of cancer prevention and early detection, including specific and wide-ranging recommendations. Offering a wealth of information and directly addressing major controversies, the book includes: A detailed look at how significantly cancer could be reduced through lifestyle changes, evaluating approaches used to alter eating, smoking, and exercise habits. An analysis of the intuitive notion that screening for cancer leads to improved health outcomes, including a discussion of screening methods, potential risks, and current recommendations. An examination of cancer prevention and control opportunities in primary health care delivery settings, including a review of interventions aimed at improving provider performance. Reviews of professional education and training programs, research trends and opportunities, and federal programs that support cancer prevention and early detection. This in-depth volume will be of interest to policy analysts, cancer and public health specialists, health care administrators and providers, researchers, insurers, medical journalists, and patient advocates.




Dermoscopy E-Book


Book Description

Dermoscopy: The Essentials presents the practical guidance you need to master this highly effective, cheaper, and less invasive alternative to biopsy. Drs. Peter Soyer, Giuseppe Argenziano, Rainer Hofmann-Wellenhof, and Iris Zalaudek explain all aspects of performing dermoscopy and interpreting results. With approximately 50% new clinical and dermoscopic images, valuable pearls and checklists, and access to the fully searchable text online at www.expertconsult.com, you’ll have everything you need to diagnose earlier and more accurately. Avoid diagnostic pitfalls through pearls that explain how to accurately use dermoscopy and highlight common mistakes. Master all aspects of performing dermoscopy and interpreting the results with easy-to-use "traffic light" systems and checklists for quick and effective learning. Diagnose more accurately using the expanded section on testing tools for extra guidance on difficult cases. Gain a better visual understanding with approximately 50% new clinical and dermoscopic images that depict the appearance of benign and malignant lesions and feature arrows and labels to highlight important manifestations.




Dermoscopy in General Dermatology


Book Description

This lavishly illustrated guide from experts will enable practitioners to get the most out of dermoscopy for investigations and treatments in general dermatology.







Mohs Micrographic Surgery


Book Description

Mohs Micrographic Surgery, an advanced treatment procedure for skin cancer, offers the highest potential for recovery--even if the skin cancer has been previously treated. This procedure is a state-of-the-art treatment in which the physician serves as surgeon, pathologist, and reconstructive surgeon. It relies on the accuracy of a microscope to trace and ensure removal of skin cancer down to its roots. This procedure allows dermatologists trained in Mohs Surgery to see beyond the visible disease and to precisely identify and remove the entire tumor, leaving healthy tissue unharmed. This procedure is most often used in treating two of the most common forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The cure rate for Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the highest of all treatments for skin cancer--up to 99 percent even if other forms of treatment have failed. This procedure, the most exact and precise method of tumor removal, minimizes the chance of regrowth and lessens the potential for scarring or disfigurement




From Lab to Lifesaver


Book Description

Understanding Cancer: Causes, Types, and Treatment OptionsCancer is a complex disease that affects millions of people worldwide. In this subchapter, we will delve into the fundamental aspects of cancer, including its causes, various types, and the treatment options available. By understanding the intricacies of this disease, we can gain valuable insights into how technology has revolutionized cancer therapy. To comprehend cancer, it is crucial to explore its causes. While genetics and family history play a role in certain cases, it is important to note that anyone can develop cancer. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and exposure to harmful substances can significantly increase the risk. Moreover, certain infections, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B and C, are known to be linked to specific types of cancer. Cancer manifests in numerous forms, each with its own unique characteristics and treatment requirements. Common types include breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, and skin cancer. Understanding the distinctions between these types is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Advancements in technology have brought forth a multitude of innovative treatment options for cancer patients. Traditional methods such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy are still widely used, but new techniques like immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and precision medicine have emerged as promising alternatives. These cutting-edge treatments harness the power of technology to specifically target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue, leading to improved outcomes and reduced side effects. Technology has also played a pivotal role in cancer detection and diagnosis. Advanced imaging techniques, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), enable early detection and accurate staging of cancer. Additionally, liquid biopsies and genetic testing have revolutionized the field of personalized medicine by allowing doctors to tailor treatment plans to an individual's unique genetic makeup.







Color Atlas of Dermatoscopy


Book Description

The continous worldwide demand for this standard atlas prompted the authors to assemble an updated and enlarged second edition. Recent developments and insights are described in a new chapter on "Advanced Dermatoscopical Diagnosis." It covers new aspects, predominantly on pathological changes of the facial skin, such as in melanoma. Approximately 70 illustrations have been included keeping the didactical concept of combining macro- and microscopical images in one figure plate.