Many people around the world suffer from basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is the most common type of skin cancer. It is a malignant tumor that develops from the basal cells, which line the bottom layer of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. When left untreated, BCC can cause significant damage and disfigurement, but it usually grows slowly and rarely spreads. We will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of BCC in this blog post.
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun or from artificial sources, like tanning beds or lamps, is the main cause of BCC. UV radiation damages the DNA of basal cells, causing them to grow abnormally and uncontrollably. There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing BCC, including:
Skin type: People with fair skin, light hair, and blue or green eyes are more prone to BCC than people with darker skin tones.
Age: BCC is more common in older people than younger people, as the cumulative effect of sun exposure increases over time.
Gender: BCC is more common in men than women, possibly due to more occupational or recreational sun exposure.
Personal or family history: People who have had BCC or other types of skin cancer before or who have a close relative with BCC are more likely to develop BCC again.
Immune system: People who have a weakened immune system due to certain diseases or medications are more susceptible to BCC.
Radiation therapy: People who have received radiation therapy for other conditions, such as acne or cancer, are more at risk of developing BCC in the treated area.
Genetic syndromes: People who have certain inherited disorders that affect the skin or DNA repair, such as Gorlin syndrome or xeroderma pigmentosum, are more prone to BCC.
There are several types and symptoms of BCC, depending on its location and type.
Nodular BCC: This is the most common type of BCC, accounting for about 60% of cases. It appears as a shiny, pearly, or translucent bump or nodule on the skin, usually on the face, ears, neck, or scalp. It may have a central depression or ulceration and may bleed easily.
Superficial BCC: This is the second most common type of BCC, accounting for about 20% of cases. It appears as a scaly, red, or pink patch or plaque on the skin, usually on the trunk, arms, or legs. It may have a raised border and may itch or burn.
Infiltrative or morpheaform BCC: This is a less common but more aggressive type of BCC, accounting for about 10% of cases. It appears as a flat, firm, or scar-like area on the skin, usually on the face. It may have poorly defined edges and may invade deeper layers of the skin and surrounding tissues.
Pigmented BCC: This is a rare type of BCC that contains melanin pigment, giving it a brown or black color. It may resemble a mole or melanoma and may occur on any part of the body.
Basosquamous BCC: This is a rare type of BCC that has features of both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (another type of skin cancer). It may appear as a hard, crusty, or scaly lesion on the skin and may be more likely to spread to other parts of the body.
Your doctor will ask about your medical history, family history, symptoms, and sun exposure habits in order to diagnose BCC. In addition to performing a physical exam and checking your skin for signs of abnormal growths and lesions, the doctor may also order some tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent and severity of your condition. Some of these tests are:
The skin biopsy test involves taking a small sample of tissue from your lesion with a scalpel, punch tool, or curette, and sending it to a laboratory for analysis under a microscope.
X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans are used to create images of internal organs and structures. If your cancer has spread to other parts of your body, they can help detect it.
It involves assigning a number between 0 and 4 based on the size, location, and depth of the skin lesion and whether or not it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs. Your condition is at a more advanced stage if the number is higher.
Depending on the type, stage, location, size, and your preferences and goals, BCC can be treated in a variety of ways.
In order to ensure complete removal of the cancerous tissue and prevent recurrence, surgery is the most common and effective treatment for BCC. BCC can be treated with a variety of procedures, including excision, which involves cutting out the lesion with a scalpel, curettage and electrodesication, which involves scraping away the lesion with a curette and then cauterizing the wound with an electric needle; or Mohs surgery, which involves removing thin layers of tissue until no cancer cells remain.
A radiation therapy is a type of treatment that uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It can either be used as a primary treatment for BCC or as an adjuvant treatment after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. Furthermore, it is suitable for inoperable or cosmetically sensitive BCC.
Using a cream, gel, or ointment containing a drug that destroys cancer cells or stimulates the immune system to fight them is known as topical therapy. A topical drug such as imiquimod (Aldara) or fluorouracil (Efudex) can be used for shallow or low-risk BCCs that are not very deep or large.
This form of therapy involves applying a light-sensitive drug to a skin lesion and then exposing it to a special light source which activates the drug and kills the cancer cells. BCCs that are superficial or low-risk and not very deep or large can be treated with it.
Taking a pill containing a drug that blocks a specific molecule or pathway that is involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells is referred to as targeted therapy. Vismodegib (Erivedge) is an example of a targeted drug that can be used for advanced or metastatic BCC that does not respond to other treatments.
There are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing BCC or to detect it early and improve the prognosis. These steps include:
Sun protection: Avoiding or limiting exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or artificial sources, such as tanning beds. In addition to wearing protective clothing, sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, seeking shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and avoiding sunburns, you should also wear hats, sunglasses, or long sleeves.
If you notice any changes or abnormalities in your skin, such as new or changing moles, spots, bumps, or sores, you should see a doctor. If you experience pain, bleeding, itching, or ulceration, you should also see a doctor.
To detect any signs of BCC or other types of skin cancer early and to monitor any changes in your condition, a doctor or dermatologist will perform regular skin examinations. Symptoms, risk factors, and diagnosis determine the frequency and interval of screening and surveillance.
Millions of people worldwide are affected by BCC, the most common form of skin cancer. As its name implies, BCC is a malignant tumor that develops from the basal cells of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. If left untreated, BCC can cause significant damage and disfigurement, even though it usually grows slowly and rarely spreads elsewhere. A number of factors can contribute to BCC, including exposure to UV radiation from the sun and artificial sources, as well as your skin type, age, gender, family history, immune system, radiation therapy, or genetics. According to the type and location of the BCC, it can cause pain, redness, swelling, itching, or discharge. Doctors can diagnose BCC based on your medical history, family history, symptoms, and physical examination. Depending on your type, stage, location, size, and your own personal preferences and goals, your doctor may also order some tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent and severity of your condition. A BCC can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, topical therapy, photodynamic therapy, or targeted therapy. Sun protection, skin examination, screening and surveillance, and chemoprevention can also help prevent or reduce BCC.
