Basal Cell Carcinoma - Information on Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma Information

Basal Cell Carcinoma is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but Basal Cell Carcinoma may occur to the people at any age. Basal cells are normal skin cells. They may develop cancerous changes, causing a lump or bump that is painless. A new skin growth that ulcerates, bleeds easily, or does not heal well may indicate development of basal cell skin cancer. This type of skin cancer has a high cure rate, but neglect can allow the cancer to enlarge, causing possible disability or, in rare cases, death. Basal cell carcinomas are most common on the face because the face receives more sunlight than other parts of the body. People who get one basal cell carcinoma are likely to develop more.

Basal Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors

Some common risk factors for basal cell carcinoma include:

• Chronic sun exposure mainly to UVB radiation but also UVA
• A history of repeated sunburns or childhood exposure to the sun
• A suppressed immune system
• HIV disease
• Ionizing radiation used for acne in the 1940's
• Fair skin and the propensity to freckle or burn rather than tan

Some rare risk factors for basal cell carcinoma include:

• Exposure to arsenic
• A condition called granuloma inguinale
• Scarred or previously damaged skin, especially radiation damage
• Rare genetic diseases such as xeroderma pigmentosa, nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, and albinism

We have provided you here all symptoms, causes and treatment methods of Basal Cell Carcinoma.

Alternative names - Rodent ulcer; Skin cancer - basal cell ; Cancer - skin - basal cell

Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma

• A skin lesion, growth, or bump located on the face, ear, neck, chest, back, or scalp
  • Pearly or waxy appearance
  • White or light pink, flesh-colored, or brown
  • Flat or slightly raised
• Visible blood vessels in the lesion or adjacent skin
• Appearance of a scarlike lesion without a history of injury to the skin in that area
• A sore that will not heal

Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Methods For Treating Basal Cell Carcinoma are :

The carcinoma is removed using one of these procedures:

• Scraping
• Cauterization (burning)
• Surgical removal, including microscopically controlled surgical removal (Mohs' surgery)
• Cryosurgery (freezing)
• Radiation