Module 02 Case Study: Integumentary System "Soaking Up the Sun"

Module 02 Case Study: Integumentary System

Part I—"Soaking Up the Sun" Questions

1. What are some differences between Judy and Mariah that might make Judy more "at risk" for skin cancer than Mariah? (2 points) One noticeable thing that may be implied is that Mariah may be a tan to dark skin ton while it is noted that Judy has a “pasty-white” skin tone. People with lighter skin tones have a harder time producing melanocytes that darkens the skin to protect the body from harmful UV rays. This lack of protection can cause skin cancer.

2. What observations did Judy make concerning her mole? How could they have used the ABCDE’s of skin cancer assessment to further assist their observations? (2 points)

Using the ABCDE’s is a check list to determine if a mole could possibly be concerning, so if she had taken note of it earlier she could arrive to a hospital or clinic sooner.

Asymmetry: unclear, but had jagged edges

Border: Jagged edges

Color: edges were different colors; purplish-black center

Diameter: described to be larger than a mosquito bite.

Elevation/Evolving: raised purplish-black dot

3. Should Judy be concerned? Why or why not? (2 points)

Theoretically no she should not because there is no way of knowing until a biopsy is done, but the checklist from doing the ABCDE’s show some sign for concern. Also the mole is itching which can be sign of danger in regards to skim cancer.

Part II—"The Basics of Cancer" Questions

1. Considering the differences between a benign tumor and a malignant tumor, why might a benign tumor be easier to treat? (3 points)

Benign tumors don’t spread so once they are removed you won’t have to worry about it anymore whereas malignant tumors can appear in several spots of the body and require chemo to fully extinguish the cancer if it is far enough along.

2. Judy learned that every single person has these cell cycle genes so cells in our body can divide when necessary. What are some normal...