Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy for Remnant Gastric Cancer
Published on: October 31, 2025
Importance of physical appearance in patients with skin cancer
Joseph F Sobanko1, David B Sarwer, Zinta Zvargulis
1*Division of Dermatologic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology, Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; †Edwin and Fannie Gray Hall Center for Human Appearance, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Departments of ‡Psychiatry and §Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; ‖School of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Background:
Physical appearance influences nearly every aspect of human life-impacting how people are judged and subsequently treated by others.
Objective:
To summarize the literature that addresses the psychosocial impact of facial scarring, with a particular emphasis on scarring after skin cancer treatment.
Materials And Methods:
A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted to find articles related to scarring and appearance in the contexts of cutaneous oncology and surgical reconstruction. References from retrieved articles were also considered for review.
Results:
Scars, especially on the head and neck, change physical appearance and can negatively impact psychosocial functioning. Medical professionals may underestimate the importance of physical appearance for patients with skin cancer. Validated patient-reported outcome (PRO) tools may prove better than objective scar ratings to identify patients who may experience psychosocial impairment from scarring.
Conclusion:
Scarring after skin cancer surgery can profoundly affect psychosocial functioning. Perioperative use of validated PRO tools can help to identify patients with scar concerns. Heightened awareness of patients' psychosocial status will allow practitioners to offer appropriate counseling or support.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System II: Inspection
Head and Neck
