Basal Cell Carcinoma: Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC; basal cell carcinoma).

Family history

  • Are there any skin diseases in your family that are common?

Social history

  • What is your profession?
  • Are you exposed to harmful working substances in your profession?

Current medical history/systemic medical history (somatic and psychological complaints).

  • What symptoms, i.e., changes in your skin have you noticed?
  • How long have these changes existed?

Vegetative anamnesis including nutritional anamnesis.

  • Do you frequently expose yourself to the sun?
  • Do you smoke? If so, how many cigarettes, cigars or pipes per day?
  • Do you drink alcohol? If yes, what drink(s) and how many glasses per day?
  • Do you use drugs? If yes, what drugs and how often per day or per week?

Self history incl. medication history.

  • Pre-existing conditions (skin diseases)
  • Operations
  • Allergies
  • Environmental history (chronic and intermittent UV exposure: sun, solarium; arsenic).
  • Medication history (long-standing immunosuppression?).