Basal cell cancer

Causes and Risks:
A new skin growth that ulcerates, bleeds easily, or does not heal well could indicate development of basal cell skin cancer . Skin cancer has a high cure rate if treated early, but neglect can allow the cancer to spread, causing disability or death.

Basal cell cancer is the most common form of malignant skin cancer. It accounts for about 75% of all skin cancers. The incidence of skin cancer has increased greatly. In 1990, 600,000 Americans were diagnosed with either basal cell cancer or squamous cell cancer, up from 400,000 in 1980.

Over 90% of basal cell skin cancers occur on areas of skin that are regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. This is considered the primary cause of most skin cancers. Other risks include a genetic predisposition (basal cell skin cancers are more common in those who have light colored skin, blue or green eyes, blond or red hair) and over-exposure to X-rays or other forms of radiation. Exposure to arsenic, which may be present in certain herbicides, is another risk factor for developing skin cancers.

Most basal cell cancers occur on areas of the body that are regularly exposed to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight). They may also occur on the scalp. The onset most commonly occurs after age 40.

Basal cells are normal skin cells. They may develop cancerous changes, causing a patch or lump that is painless. The lump may grow slowly, ulcerate, and never heal completely. It usually remains local and almost never spreads to other parts of the body, but it may continue to grow and invade nearby tissues and structures, including the nerves, bones, and brain. The tumor may be very small, growing to 1 or 2 centimeters in diameter after several years of growth.

Prevention:
Minimize sun exposure. In the sun, protect the skin: wear protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants. Ultraviolet light is most intense at midday, so try to avoid exposure during these hours. Use high-quality sunscreens, preferably with SPF (sun protection factor) ratings of at least 15. Apply sunscreen at least a half hour before exposure, and reapply it frequently. Use sunscreen in winter, too.

Examine the skin regularly for development of suspicious growths or changes in an existing skin lesion . A new growth that ulcerates, bleeds easily, or is slow to heal is suspicious. Suspicious changes in existing growths include change in color, size, texture, appearance, or the development of pain, inflammation, bleeding or itching .

Symptoms:
  • a skin lesion , growth, or bump located on the face, ear, neck, chest, back, or scalp
  • pearly or waxy appearance
  • white or light pink, flesh colored, or brown
  • flat or slightly raised
  • visible blood vessels in the lesion or adjacent skin
  • appearance of a scar-like lesion without a history of injury to the skin in that area



Signs and Tests:
sz
A biopsy and an examination of suspicious skin lesions may show basal cell carcinoma.

Treatment:
Treatment varies depending on the size, depth, and location of the cancer .

The carcinoma is removed through one of these procedures:



Prognosis:
Early treatment results in a cure rate of more than 95%. New sites of basal cell cancer can occur, so prevention should be diligent. Regular examination by a health care provider may be required.

Complications:

  • invasion of adjacent tissues or structures, causing damage to their structure and function.



Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if any change occurs in the color, size, texture, or appearance of a skin lesion .

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if pain, inflammation, bleeding , or itching occur in an existing skin lesion.


A form of skin cancer located here on the person's nose (basal cell carcinoma). Early and prolonged exposure to sunlight is thought to be the leading cause of skin cancer. The incidence of skin cancer in the United States (basal cell and melanoma) is increasing rapidly.



The lesion on this patient's nose and upper lip is a skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma). Early and prolonged exposure to sunlight is thought to be the leading cause of skin cancer. The incidence of skin cancer in the United States (basal cell and melanoma) is increasing rapidly.



Skin cancer on the upper and lower lips. Skin cancers may have various appearances and mimic other skin lesions. A piece of the bump (biopsy) can be analyzed to determine if a lesion is cancerous.



Skin cancer on the forehead.



Skin cancer, basal cell epithelioma - close-up



Skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma - behind ear: Skin cancer appearing behind the ear. This basal cell skin cancer demonstrates the typical shiny (pearly) appearance with a small crusty ulcer near the center.



Skin cancer, basal cell epitheliomanose - nose: Basal cell epithelioma is a form of skin cancer. Basal cell skin cancer spreads by expansion. It is generally slow growing, rarely metastasize (spreads to other areas), but can erode into muscle and bone if not treated.



Basal cell nevus syndrome is an inherited disorder characterized by wide-set eyes, saddle nose, frontal bossing (prominent forehead), prognathism (prominent chin), numerous basal cell carcinomas, and skeletal abnormalities. Skin manifestations include pits in the palms and soles, and numerous basal cell carcinomas. This picture is a close-up of the pits found in the palm of an individual with basal cell nevus syndrome.



The typical basal cell skin cancer appears as a small, pearly, dome-shaped nodule with small visible blood vessels (telangiectasias).



This skin cancer appears as a 2 to 3 centimeter skin spot. The tissue has become destroyed (forming an atrophic plaque). There is a brownish color because of increased skin pigment (hyperpigmentation) and a slightly elevated, rolled, pearl-colored margin. This growth is located along the hair line.



This skin cancer appears as a 1 to 1.5 centimeter flesh-colored nodule with a central depression and a raised, pearly border. Small blood vessels are visible (telangiectatic).



This skin cancer, a basal cell carcinoma, is 5 to 6 centimeters across, red (erythematous), with well defined (demarcated) borders and sprinkled brown pigment along the margins. This cancer is located on the person's back.



Basal cell nevus syndrome is an inherited disorder characterized by wide-set eyes, saddle nose, frontal bossing (prominent forehead), prognathism (prominent chin), and skeletal abnormalities. Skin manifestations include pits in the palms and soles, and numerous basal cell carcinomas (skin cancers). This picture is a close-up of the pits found on the sole of the foot of an individual with basal cell nevus syndrome.



Basal cell nevus syndrome is an inherited disorder characterized by wide-set eyes, saddle nose, frontal bossing (prominent forehead), prognathism (prominent chin), numerous basal cell carcinomas (a type of skin cancer), and skeletal abnormalities. This individual has multiple flesh-colored, dome-shaped papules on the face which are basal cell cancers, and palmar pits.