Skin And Breast Discussion Contains 2 Parts

Skin Breastthis Discussion Contains 2 Partskm Is A 38 Year Old Whit

Skin & breast this discussion contains 2 parts: KM is a 38-year-old white woman with a 6-year history of psoriasis. Her family history includes allergies and asthma, and her mother has psoriasis. KM returns today for an increase in symptoms, and she wants to improve the appearance of her skin. Please discuss the following: What is the underlying cause of psoriasis? What are the common signs and symptoms of this disease? Define, compare, and contrast the following conditions: fibrocystic breast disease, fibroadenoma, malignant breast tumor. Submission instructions: Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in proper current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.

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Skin & breast this discussion contains 2 parts: KM is a 38-year-old white woman with a 6-year-old...

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder characterized by hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes, leading to the development of thick, scaly plaques on the skin. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interaction between genetic predisposition and immune dysregulation. Genetic factors play a prominent role, with numerous susceptibility loci identified, including PSORS1 on chromosome 6p21 (Nestle et al., 2009). The immune system, particularly T-helper cells, plays a crucial role in disease progression, with Th1 and Th17 cells releasing cytokines such as TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17, which promote keratinocyte proliferation and inflammation (Lowes et al., 2014).

Clinically, psoriasis presents as well-demarcated, erythematous plaques topped with silvery-white scale, commonly on extensor surfaces such as elbows, knees, and scalp. Patients may experience pruritus, discomfort, and scaling. In addition to skin manifestations, psoriasis can be associated with comorbidities such as psoriatic arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease, reflecting systemic inflammation (Gottlieb, 2010). The increased proliferation of keratinocytes results in thickened, inflamed, and scaly skin that can significantly affect a patient's quality of life.

Comparison of Breast Conditions

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Fibrocystic breast disease, also known as fibrocystic changes, is a benign condition characterized by lumpy, cystic, and often tender breast tissue, especially premenstrually. It involves fibrosis and cyst formation resulting from hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. The typical presentation includes bilateral, tender, and movable lumps, with symptoms exacerbating before menstruation (Miller & Hartman, 2016). It is a common benign condition, affecting up to 50% of women of reproductive age, and does not increase the risk of breast cancer.

Fibroadenoma

Fibroadenoma is another benign breast tumor composed of both glandular and stromal tissue. It presents as a well-defined, firm, and mobile mass, often occurring in women aged 15-35 years. Unlike fibrocystic changes, fibroadenomas are usually painless and do not fluctuate with the menstrual cycle. They are typically solitary but can be multiple in some cases (Jacobs et al., 2015). Management often involves observation or surgical excision if the lesion enlarges or causes cosmetic concerns.

Malignant Breast Tumor

Malignant breast tumors, or breast cancer, are characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells within breast tissue. They may present as a hard, irregular, and fixed mass often associated with skin changes, nipple retraction, or ulceration. Unlike benign conditions, malignant tumors can invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to lymph nodes and distant organs. Early detection through screening methods such as mammography is vital for effective treatment (Canadian Cancer Society, 2020). The prognosis depends on the stage at diagnosis, tumor subtype, and metastatic spread.

Comparison and Contrast

Fibrocystic breast changes, fibroadenomas, and malignant tumors are distinguished by their clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and management. Fibrocystic changes are common benign alterations linked to hormonal cycles, generally reversible and non-progressive. Fibroadenomas are benign tumors with well-defined borders and minimal risk of conversion to malignancy, often requiring follow-up or excision. Malignant tumors, however, are invasive cancers necessitating multimodal therapy, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Differentiating these conditions relies on clinical examination, imaging, and histopathology.

Conclusion

Understanding the underlying causes, clinical features, and differences among breast conditions is essential for accurate diagnosis and management. Psoriasis's autoimmune etiology involves complex genetic and immunological pathways, leading to characteristic skin findings. Meanwhile, benign breast conditions like fibrocystic disease and fibroadenomas are common and usually manageable, contrasting with malignant tumors that require aggressive treatment. Awareness of these distinctions enhances early detection and improves patient outcomes.

References

• Canadian Cancer Society. (2020). Breast cancer. https://www.cancertoday.ca
• Gottlieb, A. B. (2010). Psoriasis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 62(2), 377-387.
• Jacobs, L. C., et al. (2015). Management of fibroadenomas. Journal of Breast Health, 11(3), 150-155.
• Lowes, M. A., Suárez-Fariñas, M., & Krueger, J. G. (2014). Immunology of psoriasis. Annual Review of Immunology, 32, 227-255.
• Miller, K., & Hartman, L. (2016). Benign breast disease. American Journal of Surgery, 112(5), 468-472.
• Nestle, F. O., et al. (2009). Psoriasis. New England Journal of Medicine, 361(5), 496-509.
• G. A. Lowes, et al. (2014). Immunology of psoriasis. Annual Review of Immunology, 32, 227–255.