A cutaneous malignancy, basal cell cancer is so common that it affects one out of five people in the United States. Even if the fatality rate is low, basal cell carcinoma may disfigure surrounding tissues and can be highly destructive if not treated on time. So, what are the symptoms of this nonmelanoma skin cancer and what are its causes? Can treatment cure this type of keratinocyte cancer? Let’s find out everything about BCC and its risk factors so that you can look after yourself and your dear ones.
Basal Cell Cancer: An Overview
Basal cell carcinoma, abbreviated as BCC, is a kind of skin cancer and its formation takes place in the basal cells, the cells that are responsible for producing new skin cells after the old ones die. These cells are present in the lower part of the epidermis and BCC looks like a scaly and flat patch or a shiny bump on the skin that will grow with time. The areas that mostly have basal skin carcinoma are the head and neck. They can also develop in areas that don’t get exposed to the sun (like genitals).
Basal Cell Carcinoma's Types
Basal cell carcinoma can be of the following four types:
- Superficial spreading: Have you noticed small and shallow marks on the skin that are lighter in shade than the skin that surrounds them? Then it can be an instance of superficial spreading and these lesions generally form on the arms, legs, and torso (trunk).
- Nodular: This is the most common types of non-melanoma skin cancers, and it looks similar to a round pimple. The blood vessels surrounding the pimple-like formation will also be visible.
- Pigmented: The rarest kind of BCC has hyperpigmentation as one of its symptoms. Hyperpigmentation means one particular area of the skin becoming darker than the skin around it.
- Morpheaform (scherosing): Some cancerous skin lesions appear like scars, and they keep expanding over time. This is common on the face, and they can also be like tiny red dots on the skin.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Signs and Symptoms
Early detection of skin cancer makes treatment easy and so, you must not ignore the following symptoms:
- A scaly and flat patch that has a raised edge. These patches will keep growing.
- A blue, brown, or black lesion, or a lesion having dark spots and a translucent, slightly raised border.
- A skin-colored and shiny bump that seems translucent. The bump can be white, pink, or pearly white if on fair skin. On brown skin, the bump can be brown or glossy and blood vessels can be seen. The bump may also bleed.
- A white, scar-like, and waxy lesion devoid of a defined border
- The lump can take the shape of an ulcer which can ooze blood or clear fluid.
If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is better to visit a well-known dermatology clinic at the earliest.
What Color Is BCC?
Basal skin carcinoma does not change its color. However, the color might differ from one BCC to another and these are its colors:
- White
- Yellowish
- Pink or red (most common)
- Blue, gray, or brown (or flecks of all three colors)
- The same as your natural complexion
Risk Factors of Basal Cell Skin Cancer
The risk factors of basal cell cancer are as follows:
- BBC is more prevalent in senior males. However, younger adults and elderly females can also have BCC or squamous cell carcinoma.
- People who have been detected with BCC, melanoma, or squamous cell cancer in the past are more prone to have BCC again.
- There are also sun exposure risks as studies have proved that UV rays can lead to a variety of skin conditions, including cancer.
- Getting sunburnt repeatedly also increases the risks of BCC
- Most people who suffer from BCC have fair skin, red/ blonde hair, and blue eyes. This does not mean it cannot affect individuals with darker skin complexion.
- If there has been cutaneous injury in the past or some cutaneous disease like sebaceous naevus and cutaneous lupus, basal cells can become cancerous.
- BCC is a common disease for families with Oley syndrome, Rombo syndrome, and basal cell naevus syndrome.
- Arsenal exposure, ionizing radiation, and immune suppression because of medicines or disease are some other risk factors.
Treatment of BCC
Before the treatment of basal cell carcinoma begins, its diagnosis is done through skin biopsy procedures and imaging tests. The treatment options of basal cell carcinoma are as follows:
- Electrodessication: The first step is to scrap off the cancerous growth with the help of a curette. Then doctors use a kind of electric needle to burn the area to prevent the cancer from spreading.
- Surgery: Mohs surgery is the most common surgery performed by expert surgeons to eliminate cancerous lesions.
- Cryosurgery: Cryosurgery or cryotherapy involves freezing the lump on the skin to remove it.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses powerful medicines that can destroy cancerous cells in a person’s body.
- PDT: PDT stands for photodynamic therapy, and it means exposing the skin to blue light to kill cells that are cancerous. This procedure is performed around the globe to treat BCC.
- Laser therapy: Laser therapy is yet another option and as the name suggests, the doctor will use high-energy beams (lasers) to get rid of cancer instead of operating it with a scalpel.
Your doctor will decide the best treatment for you after a detailed diagnosis and considering your health, age, and the size of the cancerous growth.
Is BCC Painful?
Most people with BCC do not complain of pain. They only notice a sore-like growth or a slow-growing bump, or a rough area on the skin. Some people, however, experience common skin cancer symptoms like:
Numbness
extreme sensitivity
- a pinching sensation
Itching
Preventative Skincare Tips for Basal Cell Carcinoma
The American Cancer Society states that most skin cancers can be prevented. Here are some basal cell skin cancer preventions according to dermatologists:
- Most people who have basal cell carcinoma have experienced long-term sun exposure. UV protection strategies like applying sunscreen, carrying an umbrella, and wearing covered outfits when staying under the sun for hours will significantly decrease the chances of getting BCC.
- Your chances of getting BCC will be 20% less if your body gets sufficient amount of vitamin D.
- To avoid getting nevoid basal cell carcinoma, avoid X-ray radiation and tanning beds.
- Don’t neglect sudden growths on your skin even if you think they are harmless. It is always advisable to get your skin checked annually.
The Bottom Line
We may conclude by saying that basal cell carcinoma is not fatal and its number of cases in America is more than 4 million per year. However, if you keep delaying skin cancer treatment, the cancer will grow and invade other tissues like bones, cartilage, and muscles. BCC can also become ulcerated and painful, leading to infection and bleeding. In rare cases, it can spread to multiple body parts and threaten your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the most effective treatments for basal cell cancer?
A: Treating BCC means removing the cancer cells from a person’s body through surgery, cryotherapy, or chemotherapy. Topical treatments for basal cell carcinoma are also available.
Q: How can I prevent basal cell carcinoma and protect my skin from damage?
A: One of the dermatologist recommendations to protect your skin from damage is to apply sunscreen of good quality and stay away from the sun during peak hours (12- 4 pm). Doing this will reduce your chances of developing different skin cancers.
