Date of Award

Spring 2020

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Kevin Basile, MD, PT

Abstract

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) contribute significantly to disease burden in elderly individuals. As life expectancy increases, the prevalence of NMSC, as well as other age related conditions such as neurocognitive deficits, will increase as well. An extensive literature search was performed in order to identify studies that evaluated treatment outcomes for elderly patients with NMSC and neurocognitive deficits. No such study to date specifically addresses treatment outcomes in this population subset. Results of the included studies indicate that patients with NMSC who are treated with Mohs micrographic skin cancer surgery (MMS) have increased satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) post-operatively regardless of age or tumor characteristics. The presence of comorbid disease, however, was not associated with improved satisfaction or QoL. The results help guide future clinical management of this particular population, as well as aid in suggestions for future research specific to these individuals.

Download

Additional Files

zoom_1.mp4 (15424 kB)

Share

COinS
 

In elderly patients with neurocognitive disorders, does the treatment of NMSC with MMS improve quality of life?

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) contribute significantly to disease burden in elderly individuals. As life expectancy increases, the prevalence of NMSC, as well as other age related conditions such as neurocognitive deficits, will increase as well. An extensive literature search was performed in order to identify studies that evaluated treatment outcomes for elderly patients with NMSC and neurocognitive deficits. No such study to date specifically addresses treatment outcomes in this population subset. Results of the included studies indicate that patients with NMSC who are treated with Mohs micrographic skin cancer surgery (MMS) have increased satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) post-operatively regardless of age or tumor characteristics. The presence of comorbid disease, however, was not associated with improved satisfaction or QoL. The results help guide future clinical management of this particular population, as well as aid in suggestions for future research specific to these individuals.