Basal-cell carcinoma

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Basal-cell carcinoma
Synonyms	Basal-cell cancer, basal cell epithelioma
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Skin lesion that may appear as a shiny bump, a reddish patch, or a sore that does not heal
Complications	Rarely metastasizes, but can cause significant local destruction
Onset	Most commonly in adulthood
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Ultraviolet light exposure, genetic predisposition
Risks	Sun exposure, fair skin, radiation therapy, immunosuppression
Diagnosis	Skin biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Squamous-cell carcinoma, melanoma, sebaceous carcinoma
Prevention	Sun protection, avoiding tanning beds
Treatment	Surgical excision, Mohs surgery, cryosurgery, topical chemotherapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Excellent with treatment, but can recur
Frequency	Most common form of skin cancer
Deaths	N/A

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.<ref>

What Is Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer?(link). American Cancer Society.

Accessed 2023-05-04.

</ref> 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.<ref>

Basal cell carcinoma(link). Mayo Clinic.

Accessed 2023-05-04.

</ref>

Diagnosis

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

How Is Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Diagnosed?(link). American Cancer Society.

Accessed 2023-05-04.

</ref>

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.<ref>

Basal cell carcinoma - Diagnosis and treatment(link). Mayo Clinic.

Accessed 2023-05-04.

</ref>

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.<ref>

Basal cell carcinoma: Diagnosis and treatment(link). American Academy of Dermatology Association.

Accessed 2023-05-04.

</ref>

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.<ref>

Prevention Tips(link). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Accessed 2023-05-04.

</ref>

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, Rask√≥ I, et al. (2001). "Cryosurgical treatment of eyelid basal cell carcinomas". Cancer Letters. 173 (1): 1–6.

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