Skin imaging techniques (Nurse)

Participants will learn about skin imaging techniques for detecting melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
Various techniques are outlined commencing with (digital) dermatoscopy, listing physical foundation, indications, evidence and target groups. Total body photography is described and illustrated by images. A summary is given of indications, evidence and target groups. The course looks at reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), explaining the
concept of the method, in which cases it is used and clinical indications. A chart is shown of possible combination of digital dermatoscopy with RCM. A summary is given of indications, evidence and target groups. The course then discusses optical coherence tomography, high frequency ultrasound, electric impedance spectroscopy, multispectral
analysis and raman spectroscopy listing physical foundation, indications, evidence and target group.   
This course is evidence-based, demonstrates best practice and is regularly updated.

Relevance to Nurses:

Skin cancer medicine is a core component of Australian general practice and is consistently in the top 10 conditions managed. This is not surprising as Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world, leaving melanoma the fourth most common cancer in Australia.

1. Summarise the uses, benefits and procedures of skin imaging techniques for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.
2. Apply knowledge of the role of drug therapy in metastatic melanoma, ensuring appropriate referral to specialists.

All nurses.