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Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It is caused by the overproduction of basal cells in the skin, which can be triggered by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. BCC usually appears as a bump on the skin and can cause itching, bleeding, and pain. While BCC rarely spreads beyond the skin, there are cases where it has invaded deeper into the body, affecting nerves, muscle, and bone. This is known as metastatic BCC, a serious form of basal cell carcinoma.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cancer | Skin cancer |
| Cancerous growth | Uncontrolled growths that arise from basal cells in the outermost layer of the skin |
| Appearance | A shiny or translucent bump, sometimes scaly or flat |
| Colour | Skin-coloured, pearly white, pink, brown or black |
| Texture | May have a rolled border, with visible blood vessels |
| Sensations | Itchiness, pain, bleeding |
| Treatment | Surgical excision, curettage and electrodesiccation, cryotherapy, laser surgery, Mohs surgery, radiation |
| Prevention | Avoiding the sun, using sunscreen |
| Risk factors | Sun exposure, tanning beds, severe sunburns, radiation therapy, fair skin |
| Metastasis | Very rare, but can spread to other areas of the body |
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What You'll Learn
Basal cell carcinoma is a common type of skin cancer
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer and the most frequently occurring form of all cancers. It is a type of skin cancer that causes a lump, bump, or lesion to form on the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. BCC usually appears as a slightly transparent or shiny bump on the skin, though it can take other forms. It is generally slow-growing but should be treated immediately.
Basal cell carcinoma is caused by the overproduction of basal cells in the skin. Basal cells are found at the bottom of the epidermis and produce new skin cells as old ones die off. A change to your DNA causes basal cell carcinoma. This change usually happens after your skin has been exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, tanning beds, or lamps. Other factors that increase your risk of basal cell carcinoma include severe sunburns, radiation therapy, increasing age, a personal or family history of skin cancer, immune-suppressing drugs, and exposure to arsenic.
Basal cell carcinomas most commonly appear on areas of the body exposed to the sun, such as the face, head, neck, and arms. They can occur anywhere on the body, even in places that don't get much sun exposure. In these cases, sun exposure may not be the cause, and other factors may contribute to the development of basal cell carcinoma. BCC usually grows slowly and is curable when caught and treated early. However, if left untreated, it can become locally invasive, growing wide and deep into the skin and destroying skin, tissue, and bone.
Advanced basal cell carcinoma is a BCC that has spread deeper into the tissue. It may look different on different people but is generally a solitary, shiny bump with large blood vessels in it. Very rarely, BCC cells spread to other areas of the body, a condition called metastatic BCC, which is the most serious form of basal cell carcinoma. It is important to contact a healthcare provider if you notice any new marks, lumps, or lesions on your skin that do not resolve on their own.
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It causes a bump, lump or lesion to form on the epidermis
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common type of skin cancer that causes a bump, lump, or lesion to form on the epidermis, the outer layer of skin. It is caused by the overproduction of basal cells in the skin due to a change in DNA, usually from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight or tanning beds. This type of skin cancer often appears as a shiny, translucent, or skin-coloured bump and may have a slightly pearly appearance. It can also look like a mole or a small patch of skin that is pink, red, brown, or black. These lesions can be fragile and may bleed after shaving or a minor injury. They can also scab over and may contain visible blood vessels.
Basal cell carcinomas typically don't cause pain, but they can become itchy, bleed, or cause pain if left untreated. They may also become locally invasive, affecting the underlying tissues and bones. While BCC is the most common form of skin cancer, it rarely spreads to other areas of the body. This condition is called metastatic BCC and is the most serious form of basal cell carcinoma.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider for any skin problems that do not resolve on their own. Regular skin self-exams and annual skin checks by a dermatologist are recommended to detect basal cell carcinoma early, as it has an excellent prognosis when caught early and properly treated. Treatment options include surgical excision, curettage and electrodesiccation, cryotherapy, laser surgery, Mohs surgery, and radiation therapy.
The risk factors for basal cell carcinoma include chronic sun exposure, severe sunburns, radiation therapy for acne or other skin conditions, and fair skin that freckles or burns easily. Avoiding the sun, using sunscreen, and protecting the skin from UV radiation can help reduce the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma.
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It rarely causes pain, but can itch, bleed and scab over
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It is caused by the overproduction of basal cells in the skin, which make up the epidermis, or the outer layer of the skin. BCC usually appears as a shiny or translucent bump on the skin, though it can take other forms. It occurs most often on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, head, and neck.
While BCC rarely causes pain, it can sometimes itch, bleed, and scab over. These lesions are typically skin-coloured and may have a slightly pearly appearance. They can also be brown or glossy black on brown and Black skin. BCC lesions are incredibly fragile and can bleed after a minor injury, such as a shaving nick. If left untreated, these lesions can become locally invasive, affecting the skin as well as the underlying tissues and bones.
It is important to note that not all skin cancers look the same, and they can show up in many shapes and sizes. Sometimes they might even resemble other non-cancerous skin conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to check your skin regularly and consult a healthcare provider if you notice any new marks, moles, or other symptoms like itching or bleeding associated with a lump or lesion on your skin.
Early detection and prompt treatment are key to a successful outcome in managing BCC. Completing regular skin self-exams and consulting with a dermatologist or skin cancer specialist as soon as symptoms appear can make a significant difference in catching skin cancer in its early stages.
If you experience any symptoms of BCC, you can seek consultation with skilled oncologists who specialize in the treatment of patients with this type of cancer. Treatment options may include surgical excision, curettage and electrodesiccation, cryotherapy, laser surgery, Mohs surgery, or radiation therapy.
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It is caused by overproduction of basal cells due to DNA changes
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common type of skin cancer that arises from the uncontrolled growth of basal cells in the outermost layer of the skin. It is caused by the overproduction of basal cells due to DNA changes, most often induced by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds. This exposure damages the DNA in the skin, triggering mutations that lead to cancer.
Basal cells are a type of cell within the skin that produces new skin cells as old ones die off. They are located in the lower part of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. The process of creating new skin cells is controlled by the basal cell's DNA. When a mutation occurs, it instructs the basal cell to multiply rapidly and continue growing instead of dying off as it should. This overproduction of basal cells results in the formation of cancerous tumors, which appear as lesions on the skin.
The lesions of basal cell carcinoma typically manifest as shiny or translucent bumps on the skin, although they can vary in appearance. They are often fragile and may bleed after minor injuries or shaving. While BCCs usually develop on sun-exposed areas, such as the head, neck, and arms, they can occur anywhere on the body, including areas typically protected from the sun, such as the genitals.
Although BCCs are generally slow-growing, they can invade deep into the skin and affect underlying tissues, nerves, muscles, and bones if left untreated. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for a successful outcome. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider for any persistent skin problems or changes and to perform regular skin self-exams to catch skin cancer in its early stages.
While sun exposure is a significant risk factor for BCC, other factors can also contribute to its development. These include severe sunburns, radiation therapy for acne or skin conditions, and fair skin, which is more susceptible to UV radiation. Understanding these risk factors and practicing sun protection, such as avoiding excessive sun exposure and using sunscreen, can help reduce the chances of developing basal cell carcinoma.
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Treatment includes surgical excision, curettage, radiation and more
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It is caused by the overproduction of basal cells in the skin, resulting from excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. BCC typically appears as a bump or lesion on areas of the skin that receive ample sunlight, such as the head, neck, and trunk. While BCC can be treated and cured if detected early, prompt treatment is crucial to prevent disfigurement or, in rare cases, fatality. Treatment options for BCC include:
Surgical Excision
This procedure involves surgically removing the cancerous lesion along with a margin of healthy skin surrounding it. The excised margin is then examined under a microscope to ensure the absence of cancer cells. Surgical excision is often recommended for BCCs that are less likely to recur, such as those found on the chest, back, hands, and feet.
Curettage
Curettage is a technique where a dermatologist uses a curette, a sharp instrument with a ring-shaped tip, to scrape or shave off the BCC. Subsequently, heat or a chemical agent is applied to the affected area to destroy any remaining cancer cells, stop bleeding, and seal the wound. Curettage is often performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, resulting in minimal pain and scarring.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is another treatment option for BCC. This approach utilizes high-energy rays, such as X-rays or protons, to precisely target and kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used as the primary treatment for large skin tumors or those located in areas difficult to access surgically. It can also be employed as adjuvant therapy after surgery to eradicate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Brachytherapy, a specific type of radiation therapy, is often considered for tumors on the head and neck.
Other Treatments
In addition to the above, other treatments for BCC include Mohs surgery, cryosurgery, laser surgery, topical medications, and targeted drug therapy. Cemiplimab, an intravenous immunotherapy medication, has been approved for treating certain forms of advanced BCC. This immunotherapy works by harnessing the immune system to combat cancer cells.
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Frequently asked questions
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common type of skin cancer that causes a bump, lump, or lesion to form on the epidermis (outer layer of the skin). It is caused by the overproduction of basal cells in the skin due to DNA changes triggered by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight or tanning beds.
Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as a shiny or translucent bump on the skin, which may be itchy or painful. It may also form an ulcer that bleeds easily or oozes clear fluid. BCC typically develops on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, head, neck, and arms, but it can occur anywhere on the body.
While basal cell carcinoma itself may not cause muscle pain, advanced cases of BCC can invade deep into the skin and damage nerves, muscles, and bones. This can lead to pain and other complications. Therefore, it is important to detect and treat BCC early to prevent it from spreading and causing further damage.
Treatment options for basal cell carcinoma include surgical excision, curettage and electrodesiccation, cryotherapy, laser surgery, Mohs surgery, and radiation therapy. The chosen procedure depends on the patient's health, cancer stage, and other factors. Early detection and prompt treatment significantly improve the prognosis for BCC.
To prevent basal cell carcinoma, it is advisable to avoid excessive sun exposure and indoor tanning, as these are major risk factors for BCC. Using sunscreen and conducting regular skin self-exams can also help protect against and detect BCC early. Consulting a dermatologist or skin cancer specialist is crucial if any suspicious symptoms arise.
