Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common type of skin cancer that originates from the basal cells located in the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is primarily characterized by abnormal, uncontrolled growth of these cells.

Superficial basal cell carcinoma

Histopathology of a pigmented basal-cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (1)

Histopathology of micronodular basal-cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma

Low level aggressive basal-cell carcinoma

Overview[edit | edit source]

BCC is the most frequent form of all skin cancers. Despite its prevalence, it is often considered less aggressive than other forms of skin cancer since it tends to grow slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, it can lead to significant disfigurement and complications.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The primary cause of BCC is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, either from the sun or from artificial sources such as tanning beds. Other factors that may increase the risk include:

Light or fair skin
A history of sunburns
Chronic sun exposure
Older age
Exposure to certain chemicals
A family history of skin cancer
Immunosuppressive drugs

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Basal cell carcinoma can manifest in various ways, but some common signs include:

A pearly or waxy bump, often translucent
A flat, scaly, reddish patch
A bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and returns
A white, yellow, or waxy area with a poorly defined border that may resemble a scar

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis typically involves a skin examination by a dermatologist. If BCC is suspected, a biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis. This entails removing a small section of the suspicious skin for laboratory analysis.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment options for BCC depend on the size, location, and depth of the carcinoma, as well as the patient's overall health. Common treatments include:

Surgical excision
Mohs surgery
Electrodessication and curettage
Radiation therapy
Topical treatments
Laser surgery
Cryosurgery

Prevention[edit | edit source]

To reduce the risk of basal cell carcinoma, it's crucial to protect the skin from excessive UV radiation. This can be achieved by:

Avoiding midday sun
Wearing protective clothing
Using sunscreen
Avoiding tanning beds

See Also[edit | edit source]

Basal cell carcinoma Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.