BASAL CELL CARCINOMA
The Most Common Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. In fact, it is the most common of all cancers. These cancers arise in the basal cells, which are at the bottom of the epidermis (outer skin layer). Until recently, those most often affected were older people, particularly men who had worked outdoors. However nowadays more and more young people are getting BCCs.
The Major CauseProlonged exposure to sunlight is the cause of almost all basal cell carcinomas, which occur most frequently on exposed parts of the body -- the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back. Rarely, however, tumors develop on non-exposed areas. In a few cases contact with certain chemicals such as arsenic or exposure to radiation can be the cause.
Who Gets It?Anyone with a history of frequent sun exposure can develop basal cell carcinoma. But people who have fair skin, light hair, and blue, green, or grey eyes are at greatest risk. Those whose occupations require long hours outdoors or who spend extensive leisure time in the sun are in particular jeopardy. Dark-skinned individuals are far less likely than fair-skinned to develop skin cancer.
What to Look ForThe five most typical characteristics of basal cell carcinoma are:
An Open Sore that bleeds, oozes, or crusts and remains open for three or more weeks. A persistent, non-healing sore is a very common sign of an early basal cell carcinoma.
A Reddish Patch or irritated area, frequently occurring on the chest, shoulders, arms, or legs. Sometimes the patch crusts. It may also itch or hurt. At other times, it persists with no noticeable discomfort.
A Shiny Bump or nodule, that is pearly or translucent and is often pink, red, or white. The bump can also be tan, black, or brown, especially in dark-haired people, and can be confused with a mole.
A Pink Growth with a slightly elevated rolled border and a crusted indentation in the center. As the growth slowly enlarges, tiny blood vessels may develop on the surface.
A Scar-like Area which is white, yellow or waxy, and often has poorly defined borders. The skin itself appears shiny and taut. Although a less frequent sign, it can indicate the presence of an aggressive tumor.
Frequently, two or more features are present in one tumor. Because basal cell carcinoma can sometimes resembles non-cancerous skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema it is always wise to seek a medical opinion if you are concerned about a spot.
How can BCC be treated?
The vast majority of BCCs can be cured. Unlike other forms of cancer, BCCs do not spread to lymph glands or other organs. If discovered early treatment has a 95% chance of cure but the presence of one BCC does increase the chance that you may develop others ??? so be vigilant and consult your doctor with concerns.
There are a number of treatment options:
Currettage: For very small BCCs this is a very effective treatment. Under a local anaesthetic your doctor can simply scrape the lesion away from your skin. This might leave a small scar.
Surgery: Many BCCs can be cut out. The BCC can be tests by a pathologist who will be able to determine whether it has been completely remove. This give you the confidence in knowing that it has been cured.
Radiotherapy: Treating BCCs with a very short and localised course of X-ray treatment has been shown to be as effective in curing BCCs. Many patients choose this option as it avoids an operation.
The Most Common Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. In fact, it is the most common of all cancers. These cancers arise in the basal cells, which are at the bottom of the epidermis (outer skin layer). Until recently, those most often affected were older people, particularly men who had worked outdoors. However nowadays more and more young people are getting BCCs.
The Major CauseProlonged exposure to sunlight is the cause of almost all basal cell carcinomas, which occur most frequently on exposed parts of the body -- the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back. Rarely, however, tumors develop on non-exposed areas. In a few cases contact with certain chemicals such as arsenic or exposure to radiation can be the cause.
Who Gets It?Anyone with a history of frequent sun exposure can develop basal cell carcinoma. But people who have fair skin, light hair, and blue, green, or grey eyes are at greatest risk. Those whose occupations require long hours outdoors or who spend extensive leisure time in the sun are in particular jeopardy. Dark-skinned individuals are far less likely than fair-skinned to develop skin cancer.
What to Look ForThe five most typical characteristics of basal cell carcinoma are:
An Open Sore that bleeds, oozes, or crusts and remains open for three or more weeks. A persistent, non-healing sore is a very common sign of an early basal cell carcinoma.
A Reddish Patch or irritated area, frequently occurring on the chest, shoulders, arms, or legs. Sometimes the patch crusts. It may also itch or hurt. At other times, it persists with no noticeable discomfort.
A Shiny Bump or nodule, that is pearly or translucent and is often pink, red, or white. The bump can also be tan, black, or brown, especially in dark-haired people, and can be confused with a mole.
A Pink Growth with a slightly elevated rolled border and a crusted indentation in the center. As the growth slowly enlarges, tiny blood vessels may develop on the surface.
A Scar-like Area which is white, yellow or waxy, and often has poorly defined borders. The skin itself appears shiny and taut. Although a less frequent sign, it can indicate the presence of an aggressive tumor.
Frequently, two or more features are present in one tumor. Because basal cell carcinoma can sometimes resembles non-cancerous skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema it is always wise to seek a medical opinion if you are concerned about a spot.
How can BCC be treated?
The vast majority of BCCs can be cured. Unlike other forms of cancer, BCCs do not spread to lymph glands or other organs. If discovered early treatment has a 95% chance of cure but the presence of one BCC does increase the chance that you may develop others ??? so be vigilant and consult your doctor with concerns.
There are a number of treatment options:
Currettage: For very small BCCs this is a very effective treatment. Under a local anaesthetic your doctor can simply scrape the lesion away from your skin. This might leave a small scar.
Surgery: Many BCCs can be cut out. The BCC can be tests by a pathologist who will be able to determine whether it has been completely remove. This give you the confidence in knowing that it has been cured.
Radiotherapy: Treating BCCs with a very short and localised course of X-ray treatment has been shown to be as effective in curing BCCs. Many patients choose this option as it avoids an operation.