Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It is named for basal cells, which lie at the base of the outer layer of skin. This cancer grows slowly and usually does not spread to other tissues in the body. It is rarely fatal. But, it can be locally destructive and requires treatment or removal.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light through time spent in the sun—particularly as a child—is recognized as the primary cause of basal cell carcinoma. However, the growth results from a combination of sun exposure and genes that make developing the cancer more likely.
Risk Factors
These risk factors increase your chance of developing basal cell carcinoma. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
-
Childhood
sunburns, freckling, or long periods of sun exposure
- Fair skin that rarely tans
- Blue or green eyes
- Blonde or red hair
- A family history of skin cancer
- A personal history of skin cancer
- Treatment that suppresses the immune system (eg, having an organ transplant)
-
History of
radiation therapy
- Certain rare genetic disorders, such as Gorlin’s syndrome—an inherited group of multiple defects involving the skin, nervous system, eyes, endocrine glands, and bones
- Frequent use of tanning beds
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- A sore that may crust, bleed, or ooze for three weeks without healing
- A raised, red patch that may be itchy
- A shiny bump that can be pearl-like in appearance or, less often, dark in color, much like a mole
- A pink growth with a slightly raised border and dip in the middle
- A patch of skin that seems shiny and tight, much like a scar
Diagnosis
The diagnosis will probably be made by a doctor who specializes in skin care, called a dermatologist. The dermatologist will look at the skin growth and take a sample, called a
biopsy, to test for cancerous cells. The doctor will then decide on a treatment plan based on the size, subtype, and location of the tumor.
Treatment
A doctor may recommend any of the following treatments:
- Mohs micrographic surgery—microscopically controlled surgery that offers the best cure rate for basal cell carcinoma
- Removal of the growth with simple surgery
- Use of liquid nitrogen to freeze the growth
- Electrodesiccation and curettage—treatment with a curette (a sharp, spoon-shaped tool) and an electric current
- Radiation therapy
- Photodynamic therapy—the cells absorb an acid that causes them to die when exposed to light
-
Creams, especially
fluorouracil
(5-FU) or
imiquimod
- Plastic surgery to repair any cosmetic problems that occur after treatment
Prevention
The following are ways to decrease your chance of developing basal cell carcinoma:
- Reduce sun exposure. Wear sunscreen, long sleeves, pants, and hats.
- Stay out of the sun during the middle of the day.
- UV light is stronger at higher elevations. If you ski or do other winter sports, wear sunscreen.
- If you are at risk for basal cell carcinoma, do monthly skin exams. Check yourself for any skin changes. You should also get an annual full-body exam. The dermatologist will check your moles, freckles, and other growths.
- Limit how much time your child spends in the sun. Discourage your child from tanning.
- Learn to recognize early basal cell carcinoma. Seek treatment.
- If advised by your doctor, take retinoid (eg, vitamin A1). This may prevent a recurrence of the cancer.
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