What is Basal Cell Carcinoma Skin?
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, also called basal cell cancer. Basal cell carcinoma looks like a painless raised area of skin; sometimes it has a shiny appearance with a supply of small blood vessels. It can also present as an ulcerated raised patch of skin. It grows slowly and can damage surrounding tissues. However, distant metastases (spread of the tumor to other parts or organs of the body) and mortality from basal cell carcinoma are less than other cancers.
This is the most common type of skin cancer. It is more common in light-skinned populations, especially among people with a family history of basal cell skin cancer. The average age for developing basal cell skin cancer is 50 years. Almost 30% of the white population develops skin basal cell carcinoma during their lifetime.
Disease Etiology (Causes)
There is no definite well-known cause. However, certain risk factors are believed to be the cause of basal cell skin cancer. These risk factors are exposure to ultraviolet sunlight, lighter skin tone, prior radiation therapy, long-term exposure to arsenic, long-term exposure, and skin burns from tanning beds.
Signs and Symptoms
The patient may have the following signs and symptoms. Basal cell carcinoma mostly develops in those areas of skin that usually exposed to sunlight like face and head and neck.
- Basal cell carcinoma skin typically presents itself as a shiny, pearly skin nodule.
- Often it presents itself as a painless raised area of skin
- Sometimes it looks like Red patch similar to eczema (Eczema is a skin condition where patches of skin become inflamed, red, itchy, cracked, and rough).
- The ulcerated raised area of skin
- Sometime basal cell carcinoma may present itself as a flat white area of skin.
- A flat scaly reddish patch with elevated margins which most commonly found at the back and neck.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The following diagnostic test and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis.
- Skin biopsy for histopathological examination.
Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and photodynamic therapy. Treatment is typically removed by surgery. Standard surgical excision (surgical excision of the tumor and few surrounding healthy tissues), Mohs surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery (It is a type of surgery that uses intense cold to kill tumor cells), electrodesiccation and curettage are main surgical procedures for basal cell skin cancer.
What Support can we Give for Basal Cell Carcinoma Skin?
Basal Cell Carcinoma Skin is a rare cancer, meaning it is not as well known as other forms of cancer. Without a Ribbon is an Australian organisation that provides support for individuals who suffer from rare cancers. So, we provide a designated platform for Warriors to obtain information specific to their Rare Cancer. We also provide annual opportunities for our Warriors to meet and learn from each other. If you suffer from rare cancer such as Basal Cell Carcinoma Skin, we can help and support you through your journey thanks to the generous donations we receive. Click the link below to sign up and become a Warrior today!
You can help us with your donation:
Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways: Donations — Without a Ribbon is grateful when we receive every donation. Giving to Without a Ribbon helps us to provide ongoing support, organise the annual gathering and subsidise the costs of our Warriors attending these conferences. Sponsorship — If you wish to sponsor our charity, please contact us using this form. Volunteering — We are always looking for volunteers to help with different aspects of running our charity. So, if you are looking for volunteer work, please feel free to contact us.