Advanced Health Assessment

Skin Lesions Video Transcript

In this presentation, we will review the warning signs of a skin lesion. Any lesion that's present on the skin, the healthcare provider should evaluate to identify any of the warning signs that may lead one to believe that the lesion is more likely to be cancer. The color should be uniform, darker the color, the more worrisome. And variation in color is worrisome.

All lesions should be measured using a measuring tape in millimeters or centimeters. A lesion over one centimeter is abnormal. The borders should be well defined, clearly demarcated margins. A lesion that has ill-defined margins is more worrisome.

Is the lesion elevated or flat? Flat lesion is typically not cancerous, whereas a raised lesion should alert the provider. The location and the distribution of the lesion is also important. So where in the body does it fall and how is it distributed? The pattern and the shape of the lesion should be documented as well. Is it annular or round? Is the lesion grouped, confluent or linear, in a straight line? And are there any other associated changes with the lesion, such as any exudate or discharge or bleeding.

Algorithm A, B, C, D and E is used as a method for evaluating pigmented lesion. Asymmetrical, Border, Color, Diameter and Elevation are the five hallmark signs of a lesion that is indicative of cancer.