NM703 DERM EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2025/2026
Most common form of skin cancer
BCC
most fatal skin cancer
malignant melanoma
pathogenesis of skin cancer
multifactoral:
-Sun exposure causes immunosuppression & UV is carcinogenic
-aging skin is thinner, frail, susceptible to insult
risk factors for skin cancer
-heavy sun exposure w/o UV protection
-aging
-family Hx
-prior hx of other cancer
skin CA differential diagosis
-BCC
-SCC
-non-melanoma skin cancer
-MM
-actinic keratosis (pre-cancer)
skin CA subjective data
-open sores that do not heal/burn/itch/crust over
-changes in color/size/shape of mole/lesion
-pearly looking skin spot
BCC objective
-pearly/shiny
-visible vessels
-normal skin color/slightly pigmented
SCC objective
,-Scaly / Scabby
-bleeds easily
-sore that does not heal
-"volcano shape"
Melanoma objective
Asymmetrical
Borders (irregular)
Color (shades of brown/black, uneven coloring)
Diameter (>6mm)
Elevation/Evolving
actinic keratosis objective
A rough, scaly patch on the skin caused by years of sun exposure
basal cell management
-Electrodessication and curettage
SCC management
total excision
MM management
Refer to dermatologist or surgeon
skin CA patient teaching
• Yearly skin exams
• Limit sun exposure
• Use protective clothing
• Use sunscreen (SPF >15)
• Seek prompt care within 4-6 weeks for non-healing wound
Actinic Keratosis is a precursor for ____
SCC
Most common dermatologic disorder
acne vulgaris
• Women beyond the age of 25 tend to have acne related to ____
circulating androgens
There are four key processes in the development of acne:
• Inflammation
• Abnormal desquamation of keratinocytes which plugs the fellow sebaceous follicles
• Increased or altered sebum production
• Colonization
Variety of lesions including comedones, papules, pustules, and nodules on the face, chest, back,
and shoulders
, acne
pharmacologic management of acne
• Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid
• Topical antibiotics
• Oral antibiotics
• Hormone therapy
• Retinoid therapy
acne Patient Teaching
• Adherence is key
• Treatment is a long-haul
• Follow-up visits are necessary
remove causative factors if possible
acne complications
-keloids
-AE from meds (renal impairment, DVT, hyperkalemia)
acne first line treatment
topicals
acne diagnostics
• Total testosterone
• DHEAS
• Androstenedione
• Luteinizing hormones
• Follicle stimulating hormone
• Lipid profile
• Glucose tolerance testing
Acne Rosacea facts
-common between ages 30-50
-no cure
-women > men
-usually coexists w/ acne vulgaris
Acne Rosacea patho
-cause unknown
-? r/t immune-mediated reaction
risk factors for Acne Rosacea
-fair skin
-age
-gender
ANSWERS 2025/2026
Most common form of skin cancer
BCC
most fatal skin cancer
malignant melanoma
pathogenesis of skin cancer
multifactoral:
-Sun exposure causes immunosuppression & UV is carcinogenic
-aging skin is thinner, frail, susceptible to insult
risk factors for skin cancer
-heavy sun exposure w/o UV protection
-aging
-family Hx
-prior hx of other cancer
skin CA differential diagosis
-BCC
-SCC
-non-melanoma skin cancer
-MM
-actinic keratosis (pre-cancer)
skin CA subjective data
-open sores that do not heal/burn/itch/crust over
-changes in color/size/shape of mole/lesion
-pearly looking skin spot
BCC objective
-pearly/shiny
-visible vessels
-normal skin color/slightly pigmented
SCC objective
,-Scaly / Scabby
-bleeds easily
-sore that does not heal
-"volcano shape"
Melanoma objective
Asymmetrical
Borders (irregular)
Color (shades of brown/black, uneven coloring)
Diameter (>6mm)
Elevation/Evolving
actinic keratosis objective
A rough, scaly patch on the skin caused by years of sun exposure
basal cell management
-Electrodessication and curettage
SCC management
total excision
MM management
Refer to dermatologist or surgeon
skin CA patient teaching
• Yearly skin exams
• Limit sun exposure
• Use protective clothing
• Use sunscreen (SPF >15)
• Seek prompt care within 4-6 weeks for non-healing wound
Actinic Keratosis is a precursor for ____
SCC
Most common dermatologic disorder
acne vulgaris
• Women beyond the age of 25 tend to have acne related to ____
circulating androgens
There are four key processes in the development of acne:
• Inflammation
• Abnormal desquamation of keratinocytes which plugs the fellow sebaceous follicles
• Increased or altered sebum production
• Colonization
Variety of lesions including comedones, papules, pustules, and nodules on the face, chest, back,
and shoulders
, acne
pharmacologic management of acne
• Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid
• Topical antibiotics
• Oral antibiotics
• Hormone therapy
• Retinoid therapy
acne Patient Teaching
• Adherence is key
• Treatment is a long-haul
• Follow-up visits are necessary
remove causative factors if possible
acne complications
-keloids
-AE from meds (renal impairment, DVT, hyperkalemia)
acne first line treatment
topicals
acne diagnostics
• Total testosterone
• DHEAS
• Androstenedione
• Luteinizing hormones
• Follicle stimulating hormone
• Lipid profile
• Glucose tolerance testing
Acne Rosacea facts
-common between ages 30-50
-no cure
-women > men
-usually coexists w/ acne vulgaris
Acne Rosacea patho
-cause unknown
-? r/t immune-mediated reaction
risk factors for Acne Rosacea
-fair skin
-age
-gender
