Skin cancer

Dermatology Nursing, April, 2008 by Daniel B. Burfeind

Nouri, K. (Ed.) (2008). Skin cancer. New York: McGraw Hill Health Publications Division.

This book is very comprehensive in its scope and is also very precise in the way information is covered. The color illustrations are very clear and show extensive detail.

Skin Cancer starts with the anatomy and physiology of both normal and aging skin, along with the epidemiology of skin cancer. There is a thorough discussion of skin cancer treatment in various patient populations, including epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and future directions of treatment.

In addition to skin cancers, this book covers in-depth diagnostic procedures such as dermoscopy, general biopsy techniques, sentinel node biopsy, Mohs micrographic surgery, and reconstitution of surgical deficits. Also covered are non-surgical treatment modalities such as cryosurgery, photodynamic surgery, lasers, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Most interesting are the chapters on photography and new approaches in the diagnosis of skin cancers. In the chapter on photography, the authors discuss advances such as digital photography, photographic mapping, and also the value of using standard photographic equipment such as single lens reflex, standard and zoom lenses, and professional photographic techniques.

In the chapter on new approaches to the diagnosis of skin cancers, many noninvasive options are cited. One method is ultrasound, where sound images measure density of tissues using high-resolution techniques.

In optical coherence tomography, infrared light is used to observe distinct architectural changes in tissue density, using a reflective mirror system. Magnetic resonance imaging is also being used with specialized surface coils to examine changes in skin structures.

Laser techniques, such as confocal laser scanning microscopy, use a low-power laser beam on specific targets on the skin. This therapy is used mostly for cellular structures, but if a longer wavelength of light is used, deeper penetration can examine subcellular structures such as melansomes and nucleoli.

Other diagnostic techniques involving light have also been developed. Using computer analysis of multispectral dermoscopic images, these techniques capture images from different wavelengths of light to examine concentration, distribution and position of skin chromophores, collagen, melanin, and hemoglobin.

Skin Cancer is an excellent reference text for use by clinicians at every level. It covers every aspect of skin cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Daniel B. Burfeind, RN, DNC, is a Nurse Educator, ICS/AmerisourceBergen, Cookstown, NJ; and a Dermatology Nursing Editorial Board Member.

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