Approach to a patient with cutaneous malignancy in the time of COVID-19 pandemic

• Main Authors: Suvashis Dash, Shivangi Saha, Somesh Gupta, Maneesh Singhal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2020-01-01
• Series: Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery
• Subjects: basal cell carcinoma; cancer reconstruction; covid-19; cutaneous malignancy; melanoma; skin cancer; squamous cell carcinoma
• Online Access: http://www.jcasonline.com/article.asp?issn=0974-2077;year=2020;volume=13;issue=4;spage=349;epage=352;aulast=Dash

The world is facing an unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 pandemic. This disease has weakened the economy, paralyzed the healthcare system, and worn out the human resources. Patients with cutaneous malignancy or skin cancer comprise a substantial part of the patient population and they need appropriate management of the cancer as they face the risk of COVID-19. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the approach to management of cutaneous malignancy needs to be reassessed. The challenges in the management of skin cancer during COVID-19 are discussed in this article. Risk stratification considering the type and nature of malignancy, age, comorbidity, and treatment option is crucial in making the suggestions. Patient care, adequate infection control, safety of healthcare worker, and rational use of resources are the cruxes of management in this trying time.