Introduction
A basal cell carcinoma of the nose is a malignant skin disease also known as basal cell carcinoma or basal cell epithelioma. The term white skin cancer is also common. With a basal cell carcinoma, only the cells of the skin epithelium are affected.
This tumour is one of the most common tumours in Europe. Especially on the nose basaliomas are very often found. This is not only unfavourable because they are very conspicuous and disturbing at this central point of the face, but also because the operation of a basalioma on the nose is always a difficulty.
In any case, one wants to avoid that the patient’s ability to smell is reduced after an operation. On the other hand, it is especially important to act quickly in the case of a basal cell carcinoma of the nose. If the basal cell carcinoma is an aggressive form of basal cell carcinoma that grows not only on the surface but also in depth, it can happen relatively quickly that bony or cartilaginous structures in the surrounding area are attacked by the tumour tissue and destroyed, which can lead to a variety of complications. In rare, extremely serious cases, a skin transplant or even the reconstruction of the face with prostheses may therefore become necessary following therapy.
Symptoms of a basal cell carcinoma of the nose
The symptoms of nasal basal cell carcinoma are very unspecific and usually do not cause pain. A skin change reminiscent of a string of pearls laid in a circle develops at the affected area. In the early stages, a basal cell carcinoma is often not visible or is confused with common skin impurities.
Localization of a basal cell carcinoma
It is assumed that the UV radiation of light is mainly responsible for the development of a basal cell carcinoma. The reason for this assumption is to be found in the exposure sites, i.e. the sites that are particularly frequently affected by a basal cell carcinoma. These are mainly skin regions of the human body that are frequently exposed to sunlight.
Parts of the face in particular are frequently affected by a basal cell carcinoma. These include the forehead and temple regions and the region around the nostrils. But arms, hands and skin in the area of the scalp and hair follicles can also be affected by a basal cell carcinoma.
It is assumed that numerous cells are repeatedly damaged by the irradiating UV radiation. An endogenous repair system drives millions of times over the defective cells and repairs them. For unclear reasons, this repair system sometimes does not work, which means that the defective cells are not repaired and can continue to divide unchecked. As a result, a tumour of malignant cells develops.