| Abstract: |
Skin cancer is the most common malignancy worldwide. In the United States, among the ten most common cancer diagnoses, malignant melanoma is the one most rapidly increasing in incidence. A cancer rehabilitation physiatrist is more likely to work with populations that are prone to rare skin cancers, such as Kaposi’s sarcoma, angiosarcoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. Beyond managing impairments from local and systemic skin cancer treatment, a cancer rehabilitation physiatrist can provide lasting impact by mitigating risk factors implicated in the development of skin cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, both naturally occurring and associated with indoor tanning (IT), older age, fair skin, and immunosuppression have been implicated in the development of all skin neoplasms. Local excision with or without micrography (Mohs’ surgery) is the primary treatment modality for most types of resectable skin cancer. Some of the commonly encountered local adverse effects include fibrosis, lymphedema, and nerve palsies with associated musculoskeletal problems. Careful review of operative and radiotherapy records must be undertaken to gain insight into potential treatment morbidity, as radiation doses can be high (66–70Gy) and extend up to 5 cm beyond involved area. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020. |
