Casestudy

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)

Judy has more fair of skin that Mariah does. Darker pigment protects the skin from harmful UV rays that can damage the skin. Since Judy is a pale, red headed girl, she is more easily to develop skin cancer. Her skin is more reflecting. According to the textbook, “Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale skin. The accumulation of melanin in keratinocytes results in the darkening of the skin, or a tan” (OpenStax, 2015). It can be assumed, that Mariah has more melanin in her skin creating the darker complexion, which then protects from the sun.

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)

Judy noticed at first that her calf was itching and she just thought it was a mosquito bite, but when she looked down, it was a mole she was scratching at. Now moles that itch aren’t always a sign of skin cancer, but it definitely concerning. She also noticed that the mole has changed. It was jagged in certain areas, and one side was darker than the other. Also, the center of the mole was raised and had a purplish, black dot. Using the ABCDE’s of skin cancer, it is something Judy should have looked at.

A-The mole was different than she remembered from the past, but Judy didn’t talk about if the mole was an irregular shape. It was just bigger than before.

B- Border of the mole was darker in certain areas and the edges were jagged.

C-The color was a dark purple-black color in the middle.

D-From the observations made, it wasn’t made clear what the diameter was, but she said it did grow in size from what Judy had remembered.

E- In the middle the mole was elevated.

3. Should Judy be concerned? Why or...