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Basal Cell Carcinoma - Picture, Treatment of Basal Cell Skin Cancer
What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of cancer that originates in cells of the epidermis. A basal cell skin cancer generally appears as a "little pearly bump that will bleed, scab up andheal. Basal cell carcinomas enlarge slowly and steadily and can invade neighboring tissue, like the eye, but they usually do not spread to distant parts of the body (metastasize). Basal cell carcinoma usually develops on skin surfaces that are exposed to sunlight, commonly on the head or neck. In the United States, it accounts for more than 75 percent of all skin cancers. Sometimes, a basal cell carcinoma spreads across the surface of the skin and appears as a smooth, flat, pearly plaque. Basal cell carcinomas rarely spread throughout the body and deaths from them are very rare; however, because they often occur on the face, their locally destructive effects can result in serious cosmetic deformity if not diagnosed and treated early.
Basal cell carcinomas are highly curable with both surgical and non-surgical therapy.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Basal Cell Carcinoma
A professional doctor often can recognize a basal cell carcinoma simply by looking at the disease, but a biopsy is the standard procedure for confirming the diagnosis of Basal Cell Carcinoma. Treatment: The most important point about skin cancer is it needs to be completely removed. Many people have lost body parts because of these tumors and some people have lost their lives. A technique called Mohs' microscopically controlled surgery may be required for some basal cell carcinomas that regrow or occur in certain areas, such as around the nose and eyes. Treatment is nearly always successful, and basal cell carcinoma skin cancer is rarely fatal.
Causes of Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Basal cell carcinoma is often caused by sun exposure, people can help prevent this cancer by staying out of the sun and using protective clothing and sunscreen.
- People who have had a basal cell carcinoma should have a skin exam every six months to one year.
- Risk is increased for individuals with a family history of the disease.
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