Basal Cell Carcinoma
Nov 09, 2009
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and accounts for more than 90% of all skin cancer in the U.S. These cancers almost never spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. They can, however, cause damage by growing and invading surrounding tissue.
Light-colored skin and sun exposure are both important factors in the development of basal cell carcinomas.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. Artificial sources of UV radiation, such as sunlamps and tanning booths, can also cause skin cancer. The risk of developing skin cancer is also affected by where a person lives. People who live in areas that receive high levels of UV radiation from the sun are more likely to develop skin cancer. Worldwide, the highest rates of skin cancer are found in South Africa and Australia, which are areas that receive high amounts of UV radiation. Most skin cancers appear after age 50, but the sun’s damaging effects begin at an early age. Therefore, rotection should start in childhood in order to prevent skin cancer later in life.
A basal cell carcinoma usually begins as a small, dome-shaped bump and is often covered by small, superficial blood vessels called telangiectases. The texture of such a spot is often shiny and translucent, sometimes referred to as “pearly.” It is sometimes hard to tell a basal cell carcinoma from a benign growth like a flesh-colored mole without performing a biopsy. Some basal cell carcinomas contain melanin pigment, making them look dark rather than shiny. Basal cell carcinomas grow slowly, taking months or even years to become sizable.
To make a proper diagnosis, doctors perform a biopsy. This usually involves taking a sample by injecting a local anesthesia and scraping a small piece of skin (shave biopsy). The skin that is removed is then examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
There are many ways to successfully treat a basal cell carcinoma with a good chance of success of 90% or more. The doctor’s main goal is to remove or destroy the cancer completely with as small a scar as possible. To plan the best treatment for each patient, the doctor considers the location and size of the cancer, the risk of scarring, and the person’s age, general health, and medical history.
Methods used to treat basal cell carcinomas include: curettage and desiccation, surgical excision, radiation therapy, cryosurgery, Mohs micrographic surgery and topical medications.
Avoiding sun exposure in susceptible individuals is the best way to lower the risk for all types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma. Regular surveillance of susceptible individuals, both by self-exams and regular physical exams, is also a good idea for people at higher risk. People who have already had any form of skin cancer should have regular medical checkups.
Common sense preventive techniques include: limiting recreational sun exposure, avoiding unprotected exposure to the sun during peak radiation times (the hours surrounding noon), wearing broad-brimmed hats and tightly-woven protective clothing while outdoors in the sun, regularly using a waterproof or water resistant sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and SPF number of 30 or higher, undergoing regular checkups and bringing any suspicious-looking or changing lesions to the attention of the doctor.