Basal cell carcinoma

Overview

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It typically develops in areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and hands. BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but early detection and treatment are important to prevent further damage and complications.

Symptoms

The symptoms of basal cell carcinoma may include:

• A pearly or waxy bump on the skin, often with visible blood vessels
• A pinkish patch of skin that may be slightly elevated
• A sore that doesn’t heal or heals and then returns
• A scar-like area that is shiny and firm

Causes

The primary cause of basal cell carcinoma is excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing BCC include:

• Sun exposure: Prolonged and unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV radiation.
• Fair skin: People with fair skin, light hair, and light-colored eyes are at higher risk.
• Age: BCC is more common in older individuals, as cumulative sun exposure plays a role in its development.
• Weakened immune system: Individuals with a weakened immune system have a higher risk of developing BCC.

Treatment

Treatment options for basal cell carcinoma depend on factors such as the size, location, and aggressiveness of the tumor. Common treatment approaches include:

• Surgical excision: The tumor is surgically removed along with a small margin of healthy skin.
• Curettage and electrodesiccation: The tumor is scraped away, and the base is treated with an electric current to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
• Mohs surgery: A specialized surgical technique that removes the tumor layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells remain.
• Cryosurgery: The tumor is destroyed by freezing it with liquid nitrogen.
• Topical medications: Certain prescription creams or gels may be used for superficial BCCs.

Self-care

To prevent basal cell carcinoma and reduce the risk of skin cancer, it is important to practice good sun protection habits:

• Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
• Seek shade: Stay in the shade, especially during peak sun hours when UV radiation is strongest.
• Wear protective clothing: Cover your skin with long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
• Avoid tanning beds: UV radiation from tanning beds can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Regular self-examination of the skin and routine dermatologist check-ups are essential for early detection and prompt treatment of any suspicious lesions or changes.