Basal Cell Carcinoma

This is a cancer that usually appears on the skin parts that are exposed to the sun for long periods. It is normal to feel concerned if you are diagnosed with this cancer type but early diagnosis and treatment can cure it. Moreover, it is considered the least risky skin cancer type. The first symptoms include small bumps that mostly appear on the nose or other face parts. However, it can occur in other body parts including the trunk, legs, and arms.

This cancer type usually does not spread to other parts of the body but can move to some nearby tissues including bones or other skin tissues. In any case, there are treatments that reduce the risk of cancer spreading.

This type of cancer commonly grows very slowly and can appear after many years of intense sun exposure. Some people experience basal cell carcinoma in early adulthood if they are using tanning beds or are exposed to the sun for long periods.

What is The Difference between Melanoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Melanoma appears in the skin’s cells known as melanocytes. These cells produce melanin which is a pigment that gives the skin its color and protects it from sun damage. While melanoma is less common than basal cell carcinoma, if it is not treated, it is more likely to spread to other body parts. However, basal cell carcinoma begins in the epidermis (the deepest part of the outer layer of the skin).

Symptoms

Basal cell carcinoma usually appears differently among people. Check below some warning symptoms:

  • If you experience an open sore that goes away and comes back or does not heal. This sore can ooze liquid or blood.
  • A red and itchy patch on the skin that occurs on the chest, shoulder, face, arm, or leg. Some people experience this patch but it is not bother them at all.
  • In some cases, you may notice a shiny, pearly, clear, pink, red, or white bump on the skin. It appears tan, black, or brown in people with darker skin.
  • Other people may experience a small pink growth that contains tiny blood vessels on the surface.
  • A scar-looking area on the skin that can be waxy, yellow, or white. In most cases, that region does not have clear borders.

In addition, you should be careful if you have basal cell carcinomas because they are so fragile and can bleed easily.

Causes

The main cause of basal cell carcinoma is UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun. When you are exposed to these UV rays for long periods, they damage the DNA code in the skin, which is responsible for cell growth. As a result, damaged DNA leads to cancer appearance.

Risk Factors

It is important to know the risk factors so you can prevent or avoid them. Check below some basal cell carcinoma risk factors:

  • Prolonged sun exposure (UV rays)
  • Family history of skin cancer (including squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and others)
  • Age (people over 50 years old are more likely to experience basal cell carcinoma)
  • People who have fair skin are at higher risk of developing basal cell carcinoma
  • Men or people assigned to male at birth (AMAB) are more prone to develop this skin cancer type than women or people assigned to female at birth (AFAB)
  • Skin inflammation or infections caused by scars, burns, and other factors

Diagnosis

In most cases, doctors diagnose this condition by performing a physical examination only. However, if they are not sure, you may need to do some additional tests including biopsy and others. Moreover, they can ask you some questions about symptoms, how much time you spend in the sun, family history, and others.

Treatment

People who have been cured of basal cell carcinoma can experience scars. However, the physician will prescribe a treatment depending on how long you have this cancer type, its place, and its size. Furthermore, the basal cell carcinoma treatment also depends on existing health problems. Check some treatments usually prescribed by doctors below:

  • Tumor Removal – Physicians will numb the tumor, skin, and area around it. After that, with special tools, they will remove the tumor along with the surrounding skin area and send it to the laboratory. It is done to check whether you have cancer cells around the tumor. In such cases, your doctor should remove more of the skin.
  • Killing cancer cells using electricity – This procedure is also known as “curettage and desiccation” and it involves a special tool (curette) that scrapes the tumor. Thereafter, physicians destroy cancer cells and control bleeding using an electric needle.
  • Cancer cells freezing – Another name for this procedure is “cryosurgery” and it involves liquid nitrogen that is used to freeze cancer cells.
  • Radiation therapy – This cancer treatment involves X-rays that kill cancer cells. It is usually prescribed along with chemotherapy.
  • Mohs surgery – This procedure involves a gradual removal of the skin layers. In other words, surgeons remove a layer of the skin and look under a microscope to further skin layers. In case cancer cells are still present, they remove the next skin layer. Healthcare providers advise this treatment option in the following cases. For example, the tumors are large, do not respond to other treatments, happen for long periods, or appear in the sensitive parts of the body.
  • Creams – Physicians may prescribe certain creams to treat basal cell carcinoma. These include Fluorouracil, Imiquimod, and others. The duration of the treatment with these creams is usually a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can basal cell carcinoma spread to other body tissues and organs?

This cancer form can spread to nearby tissues (such as lymph nodes or bones) in rare cases. While experts do not know the exact cause, experiencing basal cell carcinoma frequently can increase your risk of developing breast, prostate, or colon cancer.

What are possible basal cell carcinoma complications?

In case you are not treating this cancer form, it may spread to other skin tissues and sometimes can be fatal. For instance, if you experience a basal cell carcinoma on the face and not treating it, it may grow into the bones and directly into the brain. Discuss with your healthcare professional for more details.

What is the most common treatment prescribed by doctors?

Mohs surgery is the most common treatment prescribed by physicians. In case you have additional questions, ask your doctor.

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