Dermatology on Duty: Skin Cancer in the Military

Luke Bloomquist, a MO surgeon stationed in Germany, discusses skin cancer in military personnel, sharing insights from his experience. He highlights the increased risk of skin cancer among military members due to factors like sun exposure, exposure to toxins (Agent Orange, burn pits), and geographical conditions. He recalls a case of a young woman with a basal cell carcinoma, stressing the importance of monitoring and guiding post-surgical recovery in the military context. Unlike general civilian practice, military protocols include specific profiles for patients, which can affect their deployment status and activity levels. Bloomquist emphasizes that while many young service members fear that a cancer diagnosis might jeopardize their military careers, the reality is most skin cancers, particularly basal cell carcinomas, are treatable and typically do not lead to discharge. He also mentions how the military accommodates treatment plans, with specifics varying by service branch. The importance of collaboration among healthcare providers within the military and resources available for treatment planning, such as the Med standards app, are highlighted. Bloomquist concludes by noting the unique challenges faced in military dermatology, including the management of side effects from medications like chemotherapy that may affect deployment capabilities. He sets the stage for his colleague, Peter, to present on common conditions like pseudo folliculitis caused by mandatory shaving in the military.