Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It is named for basal cells, which lie at the base of the outer layer of skin. This cancer grows slowly and usually does not spread to other tissues in the body. It is rarely fatal, but can be locally destructive and requires treatment or removal.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light through time spent in the sun—particularly as a child—is recognized as the primary cause of basal cell carcinoma. However, the growth results from a combination of sun exposure and genes that make developing the cancer more likely.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors increase your chance of developing basal cell carcinoma:
Symptoms include:
The diagnosis will probably be made by a doctor who specializes in skin care, called a dermatologist. The dermatologist will look at the skin growth and take a sample, called a biopsy, to test for cancerous cells. The doctor will then decide on a treatment plan based on the size, subtype, and location of the tumor.
A doctor may recommend any of the following treatments:
The following are ways to decrease your chance of developing basal cell carcinoma:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org
American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery
http://www.mohscollege.org/AboutMMS.html
The Skin Cancer Foundation
http://www.skincancer.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca
The Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation
http://www.canadianskincancer.com
References:
Basal cell carcinoma. DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed102.ebscohost.com/Detail.aspx?id=113813 . Accessed June 15, 2007.
Wong C. Strange R. Lear J. Basal cell carcinoma. BMJ . 2003;327:794-798. Available at: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=214105 . Accessed June 15, 2007.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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