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 with 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
ANSWER
**Underlying cause of psoriasis**
The underlying cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. In psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the skin cells, causing them to grow and reproduce too quickly. This leads to a buildup of skin cells on the surface of the skin, which forms thick, scaly patches.
**Common signs and symptoms of psoriasis**
The most common signs and symptoms of psoriasis are:
* Red, raised patches of skin covered with silvery scales
* Dry, itchy skin
* Painful or burning skin
* Thickened nails
* Pitted or ridged nails
* Scaly scalp
**Fibrocystic breast disease**
Fibrocystic breast disease is a noncancerous condition that causes changes in the breast tissue. It is the most common breast condition in women of reproductive age. Fibrocystic breast disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
* Breast pain
* Tenderness
* Lumps in the breast
* Changes in the size or shape of the breast
* Nipple discharge
**Fibroadenoma**
A fibroadenoma is a noncancerous breast tumor that is made up of fibrous and glandular tissue. Fibroadenomas are most common in young women, but they can occur at any age. Fibroadenomas are usually small and round, and they can move freely under the skin.
**Malignant breast tumor**
A malignant breast tumor is a cancerous breast tumor. Malignant breast tumors can be invasive or noninvasive. Invasive breast tumors can spread to other parts of the body, while noninvasive breast tumors do not spread.
**Comparison and contrast of fibrocystic breast disease, fibroadenoma, and malignant breast tumor**
| Characteristic | Fibrocystic breast disease | Fibroadenoma | Malignant breast tumor |
|—|—|—|—|
| Definition | A noncancerous condition that causes changes in the breast tissue | A noncancerous breast tumor | A cancerous breast tumor |
| Incidence | Most common breast condition in women of reproductive age | Common in young women | Less common than fibrocystic breast disease or fibroadenoma |
| Symptoms | Breast pain, tenderness, lumps in the breast, changes in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge | Usually no symptoms; may be felt as a small, round, movable lump under the skin | May vary depending on the type of cancer, but may include breast pain, lumps in the breast, changes in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge, changes in the skin of the breast, such as dimpling or puckering |
| Treatment | Usually does not require treatment; may be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen | Usually does not require treatment; may be monitored or removed surgically | Treatment depends on the type of cancer, but may include surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy |
| Prognosis | Excellent | Excellent | Prognosis depends on the type of cancer, but is generally good with early diagnosis and treatment |
**Conclusion**
Fibrocystic breast disease, fibroadenoma, and malignant breast tumor are all different conditions with their own unique characteristics. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of these conditions so that you can seek medical attention early if you experience any concerns.