This week we asked the question: How much do you know about the treatment and management of skin cancer?

Haven't taken our quiz yet? Pause before reading below and follow this link to complete it: here.

Below, we recap our fourth and final quiz and the correct answers to each question.

Response options:

Correct response option: Topical imiquimod

Topical imiquimod is employed in treating specific abnormal skin conditions, including actinic keratosis, superficial basal cell carcinoma, and external genital warts. It is believed to modify the immune systems response to aid in the removal of abnormal skin growths and is available under the brand names Aldara and Zyclara, as well as in generic forms.1

Response options:

Correct response option: Wide local excision with 1 cm margins

International clinical guidelines typically suggest 510 mm margins for excising MIS. Despite limited evidence supporting this, the guidelines are fairly consistent. However, due to frequent subclinical extensions, especially in the lentigo maligna (LM) subtype, wider margins are often needed to ensure complete removal.2

Response options:

Correct response option: Adjuvant immunotherapy or targeted therapy may be considered

Adjuvant therapy given after surgery may reduce the risk of melanoma recurrence in patients with stage IIB-IV melanoma. Its purpose is to target and eliminate any remaining microscopic melanoma cells, potentially improving the overall chance of a cure by enhancing the immune system's ability to eradicate residual cancer cells, thereby delaying or preventing the return of melanoma and improving overall survival. Adjuvant therapy is especially considered for patients at high risk of recurrence after the primary treatment has removed all visible tumors.3

Response options:

Correct response option: Vemurafenib

The FDA has approved several medications for advanced melanoma with a BRAF V600 mutation, including:4

Response options:

Correct response option: True

PDT is a noninvasive treatment for small nodular BCCs. It involves applying a photosensitizing agent, such as aminolevulinic acid or methyl aminolevulinate, to the skin. When exposed to visible light, this agent produces reactive oxygen species that destroy cancer cells. PDT also damages the cancer's blood vessels, cutting off its nutrient supply, and may stimulate the immune system to attack the tumor cells.5

References

See the rest here:

QUIZ RECAP: Treatment and Management of Skin Cancer - Dermatology Times