Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common type of skin cancer that arises from the basal cells in the outermost layer of the skin. BCC can occur anywhere on the body but is most often found on areas that have been exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and hands. Here are some key facts about basal cell carcinoma:
Causes:
- Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds is the primary cause of basal cell carcinoma.
- Other risk factors include fair skin, a history of frequent sunburns, a weakened immune system, and a history of previous skin cancer.
Symptoms:
- A pearly or waxy bump on the skin that may be flesh-coloured, pink, or brown.
- A flat, scaly, or crusty patch on the skin that may be red or brown.
- A sore that does not heal or heals and then returns.
Diagnosis:
- A biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose basal cell carcinoma.
- During a biopsy, a small sample of the affected tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to determine if cancerous cells are present.
Treatment:
- Treatment for basal cell carcinoma typically involves surgical removal of the cancerous tissue.
- Mohs surgery, which involves removing thin layers of tissue and examining them under a microscope until all the cancerous cells are gone, is a common surgical technique for treating basal cell carcinoma.
- Other treatment options may include radiation therapy, topical chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.
Prognosis:
- Basal cell carcinoma is usually curable when detected and treated early.
- If left untreated, basal cell carcinoma can grow deeper into the skin and spread to other parts of the body, potentially becoming life-threatening. However, this is rare.