Basal cell cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the skin. Approximately 80,000 people are newly diagnosed with basalioma (basal cell cancer) every year in Germany. The number of new cases doubles every 10 to 15 years. The cause of basal cell carcinoma is many years of intense sun exposure.
Risk groups
Therefore, people who work outdoors or are intensively exposed to UV radiation in their free time are particularly affected.
However, people with fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue eyes are also at increased risk. Although basal cell cancer does not form daughter tumors, it slowly eats through the skin and bones if it is not detected and treated in time. It arises from basal cells, which are located in the lowest layer of the epidermis, and can develop anywhere on the body.
Basal cell cancer: therapy and forms
Usually, basal cell carcinoma begins as a very small porcelain-colored nodule, riddled with tiny blood vessels. Later, the surface of this nodule sinks into the center. A hollow with a wall-like edge develops. Basal cell cancer can also take other forms. Most often, basal cell carcinoma occurs on the so-called sun terraces. These are the parts of the body that are frequently exposed to UV radiation, such as the nose, ears, lower lips, neck and hands. Basal cell cancer takes decades to develop. Therefore, people around the age of 60 are most likely to develop the disease.
However, our changed leisure time behavior has led to an increasing number of much younger people developing basal cell cancer. If basal cell cancer is removed at an early stage, treatment is simple and there is a very good chance of cure. Basal cell cancer does not metastasize. However, the larger the tumor, the more extensive the treatment that is absolutely necessary. In this case, plastic reconstructive surgery is usually required to treat basal cell cancer (basal cell carcinoma).
