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What Is the Evidence About the Prevention and Diagnosis of Melanoma?

Order a What Is the Evidence About the Prevention and Diagnosis of Melanoma? paper today!

This review summarizes findings from 17 systematic reviews and two guidelines on skin cancer between April 2008 and 2009. Melanoma primary­prevention measures, such as education, are more likely to be successful in younger children than adolescents. The evidence does not currently support population screening for melanoma by whole­body examination. Sunburn later in life increases the risk of melanoma as much as sunburn early in life. Superior diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy over naked­eye examination for melanoma was mixed.

Reference: Macbeth et al, 2011.

Could this rash be caused by a medication? Key Questions

• Are you taking any medications (prescription or over­the­counter medications)? • Do you have any medication allergies? • Have you had a recent vaccination?

Medication and medication allergies There are four types of dermatologic side effects of drugs: light sensitivity (e.g., photodermatitis), allergic reactions (e.g., urticaria, fixed drug eruptions, morbilliform eruptions), commensal skin eruptions (e.g., pityriasis versicolor in a patient on systemic corticosteroids), and worsening of existing skin eruptions (e.g., tinea eruptions mistakenly treated as eczema with topical corticosteroids). Medications used after the onset of a rash may be irritants or sensitizers and worsen the condition.

Recent vaccination Infants and children who have recently had a measles vaccination may display a rash 10 to 14 days after immunization.

Is there a significant dermatologic family history? Key Questions

• Does anyone in your family have chronic skin problems?

Family history A family history of dermatologic problems may add insight to the diagnosis. Atopic disease (eczema, asthma, hay fever) tends to cluster in families. Psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and rosacea are also frequently noted to have a familial inheritance pattern. Multiple café­au­lait spots with a positive family history for neurofibromatosis can help identify children with this autosomal dominantly inherited disease.