Skin cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the skin cells. It occurs when the skin cells are damaged by the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays or other sources of UV radiation, such as tanning beds. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are usually found in areas of the body that are exposed to the sun, whereas melanoma can appear in both sun-exposed and non-exposed areas. It is important to protect the skin from excessive sun exposure, regularly check for any changes or abnormalities in moles or spots, and seek medical attention if any suspicious signs are found, as early detection and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of cancer, with about one million new cases estimated in the U.S. each year. Not only is it the most common skin cancer, but it is the most common of all types of cancer. One in four Americans are likely to develop a basal cell carcinoma.
Basal cells line the deepest layer of epidermis. The growths are malignant tumors that arise in this layer of skin. BCCs occur most frequently on sun-exposed regions of the body. Although this skin cancer rarely spreads to other organs of the body (i.e., metastasizes), it can cause destruction of surrounding tissue. However, 5-10% of BCCs can be resistant to treatment or be locally aggressive, which damages the skin around them and sometimes invades bone and cartilage beneath. When not treated quickly, they can be difficult to eliminate. Thus early detection and treatment are needed.
Most basal cell carcinomas are caused by chronic sun exposure, especially in people with fair skin, light hair and blue, green or grey eyes. In a few instances there are other contributing factors such as burns, exposure to radiation, arsenical intoxication and stasis dermatitis of the legs.
Basal cell carcinoma may have several different appearances on your skin. Some warning signs that may indicate basal cell carcinoma are an open sore, a reddish patch, a growth with an elevated border and a central indentation, a bump or nodule and a scar-like area.
After a biopsy has been taken and the diagnosis confirmed by a board certified Nurse Practitioner, treatment is required. Several effective methods are available to treat this tumor. The choice of therapy depends on the size, location and subtype of the basal cell carcinoma encountered. The patient’s age and general health are also taken into consideration. The more common treatment options include excisional surgery, electrosurgery, radiation therapy and Mohs surgery.
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