SKIN CANCER: BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BCC)

BCC is when there is abnormal growth of the basal cells of the skin/epidermis. The basal cells are the cells that continouly replicate and replace the skin that is lost after trauma or after normal skin shedding.

Different Forms of Basal Cell Skin Cancer:

• Pigmented

• Superficial

• Sclerosing

• Noduloulcerative

Basal cell cancer of the face.

 

• Basal Cell Skin Cancer Risk Factors:

• male

• over the age of 50

• tanning salon customers

• light skinned individuals who also have light hair (e.g. blonde)

• sun tanners

Basal cell cancer.

 

What Causes Skin Cells to Become Basal Cell Cancer

• Sun Exposure/UV radiation, UVB, high energy sun rays, that alter the genetic make-up of the basal cells, causing them to grow abnormally and more rapidly

• Can also be caused by mutagens, such as heavy metal exposure (e.g. arsenic)

• Most Common Site Affected is the Face and the Back of the Neck - sites highly exposed to sun damage - if bald, the scalp

Pathology of basal cell cancer, showing groupings of cancerous cells in dark blue.

Appearance of Basal Cell Cancers:

• look "pearly" in appearance

• can be skin, yellow, and/or red coloured

• have telangiectasia, which are the appearance of superficial/thin/eleveated blood vessels, which can be seen by the naked eye

• may look like a melanoma

• may have ulcerations present

Basal cell cancer, with the telangiectasia and nodular appearance.

 

Treatment of Basal Cell Skin Cancer

• surgically remove

• radiotherapy

• cryotherapy

• electrodessication

• if lesion present on the face, and you want to avoid scarring, can use AldaraTM

• After treatment, will need to see doctor yearly to screen for any recurrence

• has a 95% cure rate