An approach to non-pigmented skin lesions (Nurse)

This course focuses on the approach to non-pigmented skin lesions relating to skin cancer medicine. Participants will acquire the knowledge required to safely and confidently diagnose and treat commonly encountered skin lesions. It is the ideal starting point to build core knowledge in skin cancer management and acquire vital diagnostic skills and basic management techniques to provide effective care to patients.   

This unit starts with a clinical description of solar keratosis and outlines treatment options including field treatment. Attention is also paid to Bowen’s disease (a very early form of skin cancer), including symptoms, diagnosis (punch biopsy) and treatment. Dermoscopic images of both conditions are provided.  

This unit describes keratocanthoma, a low-grade malignancy that requires a deep incision biopsy, and also discusses squamous cell carcinoma, a common cancer due to chronic, cumulative, sun exposure. Treatment options include surgery, curettage and cautery, specialist referral or radiation therapy. Clinical images of both conditions are provided.  

Unit three describes basal cell carcinoma, the most common human cancer due to intermittent excessive sun exposure. BCC can be classified as non-aggressive (superficial, nodular) or aggressive (sclerosing/infiltrating/ micronodular/multifocal/solid). Clinical images of the different types of basal cell carcinoma, diagnosis and treatment options are included.  

This course is evidence-based, demonstrates best practice and is regularly updated.