Overview
Basal Cell Carcinoma is one of the most common skin cancers, originating typically in the basal cells which sit in the epidermis’s deepest layer. Basal Cell Carcinomas usually appear on parts of the body exposed to sun, such as on the face, ears, scalp, shoulders, and the back.
Key Pointers:
- Risk Factors: An individual’s risk for BCC increases with exposure time from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which emanates from sunlight or from exposure to tanning beds.
- Appearance: BCC commonly comes in a pearly or waxy bump, and can appear as an entire flat, flesh-colored to brown scar-like lesion, or a pink growth in the area with slightly raised, rolled edges and a crusted indentation in the center.
- Metastasis: BCC rarely spreads, but may cause very major damage in the nearby area if early treatment is not given.
- Prevalence: It is the most common form of skin cancer, yet it has a high chance of cure if detected at an early stage.
Causes and Risk Factors
The main cause of BCC is cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, other contributors to increased risk include genetics and fair skin, among certain medical conditions.
Key Pointers:
- UV Exposure: The risk of having BCC is associated with intense and intermittent sun exposure, leading to burns, especially with sunburns.
- Fair Skin: Fair skin and light eye color, blond or red hair, has a high risk because there is lesser melanin production.
- Genetics: Positive family history for BCC or any other skin cancers increases the chances of disease.
- Medical Conditions: Certain diseases, including xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), increase the susceptibility to ultraviolet light and increase one’s chances of developing BCC.
Signs and Symptoms
BCC mainly manifests as a new appearance or an alteration in skin lesion. It is helpful to know the signs and symptoms and to get in touch with a doctor without delay if any abnormalities become apparent.
Key Pointers:
- Appearance: May appear shiny, pink, red, or translucent with the look of a bump or as a scar-like area that is flat and firm to the touch.
- Bleeding or Crusting: It can bleed easily, ooze, or develop crusts.
Diagnosis
BCC diagnosis is commonly through visual examination by a dermatologist and sometimes followed by a skin biopsy that would confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
Key Pointers:
- Visual Examination: Based on the clinical criteria of the lesion, dermatologists check suspected lesions and usually take samples for dermoscopy analysis.
- Skin Biopsy: A biopsy helps determine through microscopic examination and can define the extent and degree of cancer.
Treatment
Basal Cell Carcinoma treatment is determined by the size, location, stage of the cancer, and the general health of the patient. Most BCCs can be cured by appropriate interventions.
Key Pointers:
- Surgical Excision: The first line of treatment for BCC includes surgical removal of the cancerous tissue along with a border of healthy skin.
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery: For larger or higher risk BCCs, Mohs surgery is advised for complete removal while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.
- Other Treatments: Based on the characteristics and site of the BCC, cryotherapy, curettage with electrodesiccation, radiotherapy, and topical treatment are used.
Prevention
Prevention of BCC is achieved by avoiding UV exposure and through practice of sun protection from the very beginning of life. Early detection through frequent self-examination of skin and dermatologic screening is important as well.
Key Pointers:
- Sun Protection: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or more, protective clothing, and avoid tanning bed.
- Self-Exams: Conduct regular self-exams to observe moles and other skin growths for changes, and go for annual full-body skin exams by a dermatologist.
Conclusion
BCC is the most common and curable skin cancer, which originates from basal cells of the skin. The risk factors, symptoms, and signs provide insights that can help the person take preventive measures against his or her skin conditions and get medical attention as early as possible.
