CARCINOMA, BASAL CELL

 Basic information

description

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a cancer that develops in the skin's basal layer. The basal layer is at the bottom of the skin's outer layer (epidermis). BCC is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually involves the skin exposed to sun (e.g., face, ears, backs of hands, shoulders, and arms). Adults over age 40 are most often affected, and men more than women.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• The skin cancer can vary in size and appearance. It usually grows slowly over months or even years.
• A sore that does not heal within 3 weeks or heals and recurs. It may bleed, ooze, or have a crust.
• An area or patch of skin that is reddish or irritated. It might have a crust.
• A shiny, pearly looking bump on the skin. The color is usually pink, red, or white. On some people, the color may be tan, black, or brown and look like a mole.
• A skin growth that is pink with a slightly raised, rolled border. The center is crusted and is lower than the border. Tiny blood vessels may be seen as it grows larger.
• An area that looks like a white or yellow scar. The skin is shiny and looks tight. This type is more rare.

causes

The cause appears to be ultraviolet damage to skin cells. Genetic factors also play a role.

risk increases with

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sun exposure. Tanning lamps or booths are also risks. UV rays damage the skin. The effect is cumulative over a lifetime.
• People with fair skin or those who sunburn easily.
• Living in an area where there is lots of sunlight.
• Older adults and males more than females.
• Radiation therapy.
• Family history of skin cancers.
• Previous skin cancer.
• Other, more rare risk factors.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Limit exposure to sunlight. Protect skin with a hat, clothing, and sunscreen with SPF of 15 or more. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours during sun exposure.
• Perform a skin self-exam once a month. Check for new growths or changes in growths already present.

expected outcomes

Curable in almost all cases with early diagnosis and treatment. People who have had skin cancer are at higher risk for new skin cancers elsewhere on the skin.

possible complications

• Rarely, skin cancer may recur or spread.
• Complications or scarring from the surgery.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will examine the affected skin area. All or part of the affected skin tissue may be removed for a biopsy. The tissue is then viewed under a microscope to see if it is cancerous.
• Treatment varies with appearance, extent, and location of the skin cancer. The treatment method chosen will often be decided by you and your health care provider together. Options can include:
  • Curettage and electrodesiccation—local anesthetic applied, then cutting out or shaving of the cancer, followed by high-frequency electrical current to destroy tissue with heat.
  • Surgical excision—local anesthetic is applied, skin is marked for surgery, and a scalpel is used for excision.
  • Moh's surgery—a special type of surgery used to treat high-risk cancers, especially on the head and face.
  • Cryosurgery—use of liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill the cells. A local anesthetic is sometimes used.
  • Topical drug therapy—available in some cases.
  • Laser treatment—sometimes used.
  • Radiation treatment—used if cancer location requires it, such as locations near lips and eyelids.
  • Photodynamic therapy—uses drugs and special light.
• A skin graft or flap may be used to repair the skin.
• Your health care provider will advise you of any follow-up care needed after the treatment procedure.
• To learn more: American Cancer Society; (800) ACS-2345; website: www.cancer.org or National Cancer Institute; (800) 4-CANCER; website: www.cancer.gov.

medications

Topical drugs (chemotherapy) may be prescribed.

activity

No limits.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has signs of skin cancer.
• After treatment, any new skin symptoms develop.

Special Notes: