Basal Cell Carcinoma

Symptoms

Basal cell carcinoma (basal cell carcinoma) is a light skin cancer, which presents differently and is most common in older people. It is the most common cancer in fair-skinned people. The skin lesion usually grows slowly and may manifest itself, for example, as a waxy, translucent and pearly nodule with dilated blood vessels (telangiectasia) or as an ulcer. It frequently affects sun-exposed areas of the body, especially the face and neck, and secondarily the trunk and extremities. Basal cell carcinoma very rarely forms offshoots (metastases) in other organs, but in the longer term and if left untreated, it can destroy local tissue and cause disfigurement.

Causes

Basal cell carcinoma originates in the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis. The cancer cells are altered basal cells (keratinocytes) in the stratum basale, the lowest layer of the epidermis. The main risk factors are solar radiation (UV radiation), heredity and increased age. Excessive sun exposure in childhood and teenage years is considered particularly relevant (sunburn, sunbathing). This is in contrast to spinalioma (squamous cell carcinoma), in which cumulative UV radiation is decisive. Patients with one basal cell carcinoma also have an increased risk of developing another, and there are other factors besides (e.g., immunosuppression and fair skin type).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made in dermatology based on patient history, clinical examination, and with biopsy.

Prevention

For prevention, good sun protection with the appropriate measures is recommended. This protection is particularly relevant for children and adolescents with this type of cancer.

  • Avoid direct sun exposure, especially between 11 am to 3 pm.
  • Wear protective clothing: headgear with neck protection, long sleeves and pants, special clothing with UV protection.
  • Sunscreen (UV filter) with a protection factor adapted to the skin type.
  • In any case, a visit to the solarium is not recommended.

Non-drug treatment

If detected early, the chances of cure are very good. However, basal cell carcinoma tends to recur after therapy. Treatment involves removal of the skin tumor using a variety of methods:

  • Cutting out (excision).
  • Curettage and cauterization
  • Electrodesiccation
  • Cryotherapy (icing)
  • Mohs surgery

Drug treatment

Approved drug measures include: