The forms of a basal cell carcinoma

The nodular, solid form of the basal cell carcinoma is most frequently found. This spherical or hemispherical basal cell carcinoma often becomes glassy to translucent over time. Particularly typical for this type of basal cell carcinoma, but in principle found in all forms of this tumor, are the so-called telangiectasias.

These are the smallest hair vessels, which due to their dilatation become visible as reddish to bluish serpentine vessel drawings at the edge of the tumor. In addition, an “ulcerous” basal cell carcinoma often occurs. In this case, there is a clear lesion of the skin, which is usually covered in the middle by a crust, which can sometimes weep.

In its appearance it resembles a non-healing abrasion. It is often not easy to distinguish this type of basal cell carcinoma from a wound. A relatively clear indication of the presence of a tumour is the so-called “pearl-like” edge margin (which often develops later), i.e. small nodules that grow around the basal cell carcinoma and sometimes contain telangiectasia.

However, this also means that the basal cell carcinoma grows into the surrounding skin, i.e. it excretes. This is also called “ulcer rodening”, a gnawing ulcer. There is also the sclerodermiform basalioma.

This type is characterized by the fact that it grows very flat and extensive. As it is often not easily distinguishable from healthy skin or scar tissue, it is often overlooked for a long time. In addition, it is also difficult to remove.

The superficial multicentric basal cell carcinoma shows a similar growth pattern, but in many cases it assumes a slightly reddish coloration. Therefore it can easily be misdiagnosed as eczema or psoriasis. The most dangerous is the destructively growing basal cell carcinoma, the basal cell carcinoma (or ulcer) terebrans, the piercing ulcer. It grows very quickly and aggressively into the depths, and can destroy bone and cartilage tissue, among other things. This is why this basal cell carcinoma is particularly feared in the areas of the eye or nose.

Complications of a basal cell carcinoma

If a basal cell carcinoma is discovered late, it may have already grown deeply in and even reached cartilage and bone. The result is disfigurement, as most basaliomas occur on the face. If the basal cell carcinoma is located at the edge of the eyelid, where it occurs quite often, its late detection can even result in loss of the eye.

A metastasis almost never occurs. The tumour usually does not spread further tumour cells via blood or lymph channels into other body tissues. In most cases, the changes are so typical that the dermatologist (dermatology doctor) will recognize them immediately.

Pearl-like walls and telangiectases (small vessels) are the typical features of basal cell carcinoma. It is certainly sensible and necessary to secure the diagnosis by means of a tissue sample, which should be examined more closely under the microscope (fine tissue examination). Regular skin cancer screening is also useful for early detection of a basal cell carcinoma.