|
|  |
|
|
Case Study: Skin Cancer
by Prudential
Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer with over 600,000 new cases/year. One in six Americans will develop
skin cancer in their lifetime. The mo st common cause of skin cancer is overexposure to the sun. 90% of all skin cancers
occur on sun exposed skin. People most likely to get skin cancer have:
-
A family history of melanoma
-
Fair skin which burns easily and tans poorly
-
Red or blonde hair
-
Blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence
-
Dysplastic nevi (atypical moles)
There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type and has the best prognosis. It usually looks like a small pearly nodule that slowly grows, if left untreated. Lesions are surgically removed. Recurrences are common, but it rarely metastasizes (spreads to distant sites). Localized basal cell cancers, after excision, are non-rated.
Squamous cell carcinoma can be a nodule or a reddish patch. Recurrences are also common and 3 - 10% will metastasize. Localized squamous cell cancers, after surgical excision, are non-rated.
Malignant melanoma is the least common, but most serious and can start as a mole. Lesions are surgically removed. Staging is determined by the level of invasion (Clark level) or vertical thickness (Breslow Scale).
| Clark Level |
Breslow Scale |
| I (in situ) |
in situ |
| II (invades papillary dermis) |
<0.75mm |
| III (invades to papillary-reticular junction) |
0.75 - 1.5mm |
| IV (invades reticular dermis) |
1.51 - 4.0mm |
| V (invades subcutaneous tissue) |
> 4.0mm |
The rating for malignant melanoma ranges from no rating for in situ cancers to postpone for 4 years for Clark levels IV and V. For example, first year ratings per Clark level are: in situ...non-rated, Level II...$5-7.50x5*, Level III...$7.50-10x6*, Levels IV & V...Postpone. A history of metastatic melanoma would be declined.
*The lower rating applies if lesion excised was located on the arm or leg; the higher rating is for lesions excised from the head, neck, trunk, hands or feet.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
