DEFINITION

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer which grows as skin tumor and cause serious changes in basal skin cells.


SYMPTOMS

*An abnormal change in skin growth, or bump located on the face, scalp, backs of ears, neck –
• A shiny bump or waxy appearance
• A pink growth or reddish flesh colored patch
• A nodule flat or slightly raised
*A visible blood vessels or an open sore in the lesion.
*A scar like area which appears shiny or taut caused without any history of injury to skin.
*A non healing sore that bleeds.


CAUSES

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting 800,000 Americans each year. It accounts for about 70% of all skin cancers. Exposure to UV radiation is one of the major factors that have increased skin cancer.

These cancers arise in basal cells which are normal skin cells. These may develop cancerous changes in the skin causing scar and bumps that are painless. The affected skin bleeds easily and does not heal is a common sign of basal cell carcinoma. It can be cured easily but neglect can cause cancer to grow and cause disability and, in rare case, death.

More than 85% of Basal skin cancer is caused due to the exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Until recently, those most often affected were older people who are commonly occurs after the age of 45. But people who have fair skin or light colored skin, blonde or red hair, and blue, green, or gray eyes are at highest risk. The other risk includes genetic predisposition and exposure to X-ray radiation or any other form of radiation.

Rarely tumor develops on non-exposure areas. They remain local and almost never spread to other parts of body but might affect the nearby tissues and cells of the affected area. The tumor may be very small in beginning and may increase after several years of growth.


TREATMENT

The treatment varies on various factors like size, location and cause of infection. It can be removed by following treatments:-

• Scraping off the growth
• To sear with a caustic
• Surgical removal or laser surgery
• Cryosurgery – Liquid nitrogen is applied which causes freezing.
• Radiation and x-ray beams.