Basal Cell Cancer


Example of
Basal Cell Cancer
WHAT IS BASAL CELL SKIN CANCER?

  • Basal cell skin cancer is a type of skin cancer that affects the skin's basal layer, the 5th layer of skin.
  • It invades areas under the skin, but it does not spread to other areas in the body.
  • If removed, basal cell skin cancer is curable.
  • This does not become life-threatening unless it is ignored entirely.
  • Basal Cell Cancer can also be called 'rodent ulcer'.
WHAT CAUSES BASAL CELL SKIN CANCER?
  • Basal cell skin cancer is caused by skin damage from the sun that has occurred over many years prior to the appearance of the cancer.
SIGNS OF BASAL CELL SKIN CANCER MAY INCLUDE
  • A small lesion (sore or skin abnormality) that does not heal within three weeks and that has the following characteristics:
    • The lesion grows slowly and does not itch or hurt.
    • It occurs on the skin that is exposed to the sun and shows evidence of sun damage.
    • The size of the lesion varies from very small to large (if left untreated).
    • The lesion appears flat with edges that are semitransparent and rounded.
      • The edges may have small, new blood vessels.
      • The ulcer is often dimpled in the middle.
  • Basal Cell Cancer will mainly occur on areas of sun exposed skin, such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, hands, shoulders and back.

WHAT INCREASES THE RISK OF GETTING BASAL CELL SKIN CANCER?

  • People with a fair skin complexion, blue or green eyes, blond or red hair.
  • Excessive exposure to sunlight.
  • White people are more at risk, and also outdoor workers with constant exposure to sun.
  • The onset most commonly occurs after the age of 40, however, a greater number of young adults are also developing this form of skin cancer.
PROBLEMS THAT MAY OCCUR WITH BASAL CELL SKIN CANCER
  • Ulceration (development of an open sore) and deformity if treatment is not obtained.
  • Less than 1% of cases show a spreading of the cancer to another site in the body.
  • Early treatment results in a cure rate of more than 95%. New sites of basal cell cancer can occur, so prevention should be diligent.
WHEN SHOULD I SEE MY DOCTOR?
  • See your doctor with symptoms of basal cell skin cancer.
  • If the wound bleeds after surgery and it cannot be stopped after 10 full minutes of continuous pressure.
  • If the wound shows signs of infection such as:
    • Pain.
    • Redness.
    • Swelling.
    • Increased tenderness.
  • A medical history and physical exam will be taken.
  • Examination in the laboratory of the tissue that has been removed.
  • Removal of the cancer by one of the following methods:
    • Surgery in the doctor's office.
    • Surgery in an outpatient area of the hospital.
    • Radiation treatment.
    • Cryosurgery - destruction of abnormal tissue using freezing temperatures.
      • Usually with liquid nitrogen.
    • Electrosurgery - destruction of abnormal tissue with the application of heat.
      • Usually an electric cautery source.
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