Basal-cell carcinoma

Photograph showing a typical basal-cell carcinoma

Basalioma

Basal-cell carcinoma (BCC), also known as basal-cell cancer, is the most common type of skin cancer. It often appears as a painless raised area of skin, which may be shiny with small blood vessels running over it. It may also present as a raised area with ulceration. BCC grows slowly and can damage the tissue around it, but it is unlikely to spread to distant areas or result in death.

Causes and Risk Factors

Basal-cell carcinoma is primarily caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or artificial sources, such as tanning beds. Other risk factors include having light-colored or freckled skin, a personal or family history of BCC, chronic skin inflammation or injury, exposure to radiation or arsenic, and immunosuppression.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of BCC often involves a skin examination, followed by a skin biopsy if a lesion is suspected to be cancerous.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the size, location, and number of lesions. They may include Mohs surgery, simple excision, curettage and desiccation, cryotherapy, radiation therapy, topical medications, or in some cases, oral medications such as hedgehog pathway inhibitors.

Prognosis

While BCC is slow-growing and rarely metastasizes, it can cause significant cosmetic damage and functional impairment, especially when located near the eyes, ears, or nose. Early detection and treatment can reduce the risk of recurrence and prevent complications.

Prevention

Prevention strategies include reducing sun exposure, using sunscreen, and avoiding tanning beds. Regular skin self-examinations can also help detect this cancer at an early stage.

See Also

• Skin cancer
• Squamous-cell skin carcinoma
• Melanoma
• Actinic keratosis
• Mohs surgery

External Links

• Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer - American Cancer Society
• Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma) - Cancer.Net
• Basal Cell Carcinoma - American Academy of Dermatology Association

Further Reading

• Kimonis VE, Goldstein AM, Pastakia B, et al. (1991). "Clinical manifestations in 105 persons with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome". American Journal of Medical Genetics. 41 (3): 250–62.
• Varga E, Korom I, Raskó I, et al. (2001). "Cryosurgical treatment of eyelid basal cell carcinomas". Cancer Letters. 173 (1): 1–6.

Basal-cell carcinoma Resources
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