Geriatric Dermatologic Surgery Part I: Frailty assessment and palliative treatments in the geriatric dermatology population

Longer life expectancy and increasing keratinocyte carcinoma incidence contribute to an increase in geriatric patients presenting for dermatologic surgery. Unique considerations accompany geriatric patients including goals of care, physiologic changes in medication metabolism, cognitive decline, and frailty. Limited geriatric training in dermatology residency has created a knowledge gap and dermatologic surgeons should be familiar with challenges facing older patients to provide interventions more congruent with goals and avoid overtreatment.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Authors: Source Type: research