| [ Summary ] |
It is now common knowledge that long term exposure to ultraviolet on human skin increases the chance of developing skin cancer. On the other hand, most individuals do not understand that a constitutive immunosuppressive status tends to make them more susceptible to skin cancer in the areas of skin receiving high sun exposure. Thus, it is important for doctors engaging treatment of hemodialysis patients to have adequate knowledge and skills to diagnose skin cancer in the early stages, especially on sun-exposed sites. There are a few, but salient points note to reach a diagnosis for skin lesions in hemodialysis patients. We discuss actinic keratosis, frequently observed in elderly patients caused by long term ultraviolet irradiation. We must also be vigilant for "black spots", which may be basal cell carcinoma or malignant melanoma. |