July 2021 • Volume 15, No. 7
From the Editor
It’s that time of year. The weather is hot and sunny, outdoor activities beckon, and it’s UV Protection Month: a good reminder of the importance of protecting our skin (and eyes) from UV rays.
For this issue, we’re taking a look at skin cancer.
Each year in the U.S., nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer at a cost that exceeds $8.1 billion. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is responsible for nearly 9,000 deaths each year. Although genetic factors can increase a person’s risk, the most common types of skin cancer are strongly associated with exposure to UV radiation, including as many as 90% of melanomas, according to the Surgeon General’s office.
You already know how to protect yourself: wear a hat, sunglasses, and other protective clothing when you go out, even for short periods; seek shade; and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15+ to protect any exposed skin. Also, avoid indoor tanning devices, like tanning beds and booths. But are you really doing all those things?
Scroll down for some basic information about skin cancer surgeries and learn about recent advances in the field.
Our Student in the Spotlight is Madison Feaster, BSN, RN CNOR, Houston, TX.
You will also find jobs we’ve collected for you and NIFA’s favorite links.
Enjoy!

Julie Lancaster, Editor
Photo: Ali Saadat on Unsplash
Skin Cancer Surgery News
Innovative Bladeless Electron-Beam Therapy Coming to Tampa for Skin Cancer Treatment.
ForCare Medical Center will be the second facility in the nation and first in the Tampa area to offer long-awaited bladeless, electron-beam therapy for treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma).
Read more . . .
Yale Researchers Develop Injection to Treat Skin Cancer.
“Yale researchers are developing a skin cancer treatment that involves injecting nanoparticles into the tumor, killing cancer cells with a two-pronged approach, as a potential alternative to surgery,” writes William Weir of YaleNews.
Read more . . .
Yale Researchers Develop Injection to Treat Skin Cancer.
“A gecko named Mr. Frosty and his kin have helped scientists uncover the genetic glitch that gives these lizards their standout color—and their high risk for skin tumors,” writes Maria Temming of Science News.
“The geckos are a variety of leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) called Lemon Frost, which sports stark white skin that not only highlights its yellow coloring, but also tends to develop tumors. A new study pegs these Lemon Frost traits to a single gene that has also been implicated in the skin cancer melanoma in people.”
Read the full article in Science News . . .
Read the scientific report…
AI vs. Skin Cancer: An Algorithm Can Determine Which Moles Need a Doctor’s Attention.
“Early detection is key to surviving melanoma, a type of malignant tumor responsible for more than 70% of skin-cancer-related deaths worldwide,” writes Meagan Lewis of MIT Technology Review. “But ‘suspicious pigmented skin lesions’ (SPLs) are so common it’s impractical for doctors to check them all out. Now MIT researchers have developed a tool that can analyze skin photos taken with a smartphone to determine which SPLs should be evaluated by a dermatologist.”
Read more . . .
Photo: Fauzan Maududdin on Shutterstock
Skin Cancer Surgery Procedures
??The following links represent resources from a variety of clinics and hospitals.
Standard Surgical Excision
Info
Video
Mohs Surgery
Info
Video
Lymph Node Biopsy
Info
Video
Reconstruction
Info
Video
Electrodessication and Curettage
Info
Video
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Student Spotlight: Madison Feaster
Credentials
BSN, RN CNOR
Student Status
Current student in Course 2 of NIFA’s RNFA program
City & State
Houston, TX
Current Position
Operating Room Charge Nurse
Where did you get your RN degree?
Angelo State University
How did you come to choose perioperative nursing?
Nursing residency two days a week in operating room.
What is the funniest moment you’ve ever seen at the table?
Friends did my LaP chole. I wore a banana hammock and I woke up in PACU with a cast on my foot and wound vac dressing on my chest.
What is one technique or RNFA trick you’ve learned from NIFA that you will use for life?
So much . . . Aberdeen knot at end of subcuticular. Surgeon’s knots to start simples.
How do you feel having your RNFA will impact your life/career?
Brighten my horizons in Periop. Will allow me to finally be a jack of all trades in intra-op.
Jobs Front
Click here for the RNFA job postings we’ve collected for you this month.
NIFA – Office Hours
Monday-Thursday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm
Practice Resources
Here are several of the most-in-demand sites for our students, prospective students and grads:
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are strictly those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of NIFA. NIFA does not give any express or implied warranty as to the accuracy of statements made by our contributors and does not accept any liability for error or omission. It is the responsibility of all perioperative personnel to work within and adhere to their facility bylaws and individual scope of practice.