The basal cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the common form of skin cancer and develops as the uncontrolled growth of the skin’s basal cells. This is evident as the red patches on the skin and generally, does not spread (metastasizes) to other parts of the body. However, rarely it can invade other parts and early diagnosis in essential in the treatment. BCC commonly affect the areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun such as the back of the face and neck. As this can be caused by the long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, avoiding direct sun exposure may be a form of protection against the risk of developing this cancer.
Causes
The BCC develops with the long-term sun exposure or intensive exposure causing sunburn which damages the cells on the skin resulting in BCC. It particularly develops in the areas that are exposed to the sun such as the neck, scalp, ears, face and the shoulders. Rarely, it affects other parts of the body that are not exposed to the sunlight such as the genitals or the women’s breasts. The ultraviolet radiation is believed to damage the DNA from the sunlight, in the tanning lamps and the tanning beds. In some cases, the exposure to arsenic, radiation, chronic inflammatory conditions and complications from scars or burns can contribute to developing BCC. It is not possible to assume a single cause as the reason for developing the tumor and the exact cause in some cases remain unknown.
Symptoms
This signs of BCC occur as changes in the skin such as sores and lesions. A non-healing open sore that bleeds or oozes is often a very common indication of BCC. The symptoms include the irritated patch of skin that may crust, itch or cause pain and a nodule that appears to be red, white, black or brown that may be confused with a mole. A flat, reddish patch that has a raised edge is also a sign; however, these patches over time can develop to become large. A white waxy scar-like area that can appear shiny can be an indication of an invasive BCC.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis involves the examination of the affected area of the skin by the physician to determine the size, shape and the texture. If skin cancer is suspected, the skin biopsy may be conducted by removing a small part of the lesions that will be examined under the microscope and tested in the laboratory.
Treatment
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma is based on the health of the individual, the size and the location of the tumor. Some of the treatment processes involves the following;
Excisional surgery involves the removal of the cancerous lesion with the normal skin as the margin.
Radiation uses the x-ray beams focused at the tumor and may require several episodes of treatment over several weeks.
Electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C) generally used to treat the small lesions. This involves the scraping of the skin cancer with the curette (scraping instrument) and the affected area of the skin is burned with an electric needle to destroy the cancer cells.
Mohs surgery is used for the recurring lesions that may be large and deep. The procedure involves the surgical removal of the thin layers of the tissue.
Cryosurgery involves the destruction of the tumor tissue by freezing it with liquid nitrogen.
Topical treatment may treat the low-risk tumors that haven’t penetrated deep into the skin.
