What is Basal Cell Cancer?

Answer 1

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Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, with doctors detecting skin cancer in about 1 million Americans each year.

Reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight can prevent most skin cancers. If skin cancer is found early, it can usually be cured by relatively simple surgery. Skin cancer is responsible for less than 1% of all cancer deaths.

The skin, the body's largest organ, protects against infection and injury and helps regulate body temperature. The skin also stores water and fat and produces vitamin D. Skin is made up of two main layers: the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and the dermis (inner layer of skin).

Basal cell carcinoma. Cells in the lower epidermis are round cells known as basal cells. About 80% of skin cancer develops from this type of cell that has been exposed to the sun and is called basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma most often forms on the head and neck.

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PLWC Guide to Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma)
Overview
Medical Illustrations
Risk Factors and Prevention
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Staging
Treatment
Side Effects of Cancer and Cancer Treatment
After Treatment
Current Research
Patient Information Resources
Clinical Trials Resources
Questions to Ask the Doctor

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Overview
This section has been reviewed and approved by the PLWC Editorial Board, 1/05

This section describes basal cell and squamous cell cancers. For information on melanoma, read the PLWC Guide to Melanoma.

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, with doctors detecting skin cancer in about 1 million Americans each year.

Reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight can prevent most skin cancers. If skin cancer is found early, it can usually be cured by relatively simple surgery. Skin cancer is responsible for less than 1% of all cancer deaths.

The skin, the body's largest organ, protects against infection and injury and helps regulate body temperature. The skin also stores water and fat and produces vitamin D. Skin is made up of two main layers: the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and the dermis (inner layer of skin).

Types of skin cancer

There are three main types of skin cancer:

Squamous cell carcinoma. Most of the epidermis is made up of flat, scale-like cells called squamous cells. Approximately 16% of skin cancer resembles these cells and is called squamous cell carcinoma. They usually arise from sun exposure, but can appear on skin that has been burned, damaged by chemicals, or exposed to x-rays.

Basal cell carcinoma. Cells in the lower epidermis are round cells known as basal cells. About 80% of skin cancer develops from this type of cell that has been exposed to the sun and is called basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma most often forms on the head and neck.

Melanoma. Where the epideimis meets the dermis, there are scattered cells called melanocytes, which produce the melanin that gives skin color. Melanoma starts in melanocytes, and it is the most serious of the three cancer types. For information on melanoma, read the PLWC Guide to Melanoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are known as non-melanoma skin cancers, to distinguish them from melanoma, which arises from very different cells and is treated differently.

Typically, non-melanoma skin cancer can be treated with relatively simple surgery. Or, if the cancer is very small, cryosurgery (freezing) or laser surgery may be used. Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and rarely metastasizes (spreads) to other parts of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma also rarely spreads, but is more likely to spread than basal cell carcinoma.

Statistics

In 2006, more than 1 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer is expected to be diagnosed in the United States. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are highly curable, and are not traditionally included in overall cancer statistics. Each year, approximately 2,800 people die from non-melanoma skin cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma. The overall five-year relative survival rate (the percentage of patients who survive at least five years after the cancer is detected, excluding those who die from other diseases) of people diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma is greater than 99%. Less than one-tenth of 1% of these tumors spread to other parts of the body. If basal cell carcinoma spreads, the five-year relative survival rate is much lower.

Squamous cell carcinoma. The overall five-year relative survival rate of people with squamous cell carcinoma is greater than 95%. If the disease spreads to other parts of the body, the five-year relative survival rate is lower. However, it is estimated that only a small percentage of these tumors will spread.

Cancer statistics should be interpreted with caution. These estimates are based on data from thousands of cases of this type of cancer in the United States each year, but the actual risk for a particular individual may differ. It is not possible to tell a person how long he or she will live with non-melanoma skin cancer. Because the survival statistics are measured in five-year (or sometimes one-year) intervals, they may not represent advances made in the treatment or diagnosis of this cancer.

Statistics adapted from the American Cancer Society's publication, Cancer Facts & Figures 2006.
Medical Illustrations


Larger image
Risk Factors and Prevention
A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease, including cancer. There are risk factors that can be controlled, such as smoking, and risk factors that cannot be controlled, such as age and family history. Although risk factors can influence disease, for many risk factors it is not known whether they actually cause the disease directly. Some people with several risk factors never develop the disease, while others with no known risk factors do. Knowing your risk factors and communicating with your doctor can help guide you in making wise lifestyle and health-care choices.

The following factors increase the risk of developing skin cancer:

Exposure to UV radiation. Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation causes sunburn and plays a role in the development of basal and squamous cell cancers. Ultraviolet A (UVA) penetrates the skin more deeply, and contributes to photoaging or wrinkling. The role of UVA in the development of non-melanoma skin cancer is suspected, but not yet certain. People who live in areas with year-round, bright sunlight (both UVA and UVB) or at high altitudes have a higher risk of developing skin cancer, as do those who spend excess time outside or on a tanning bed (mostly UVA).

Fair skin. Less pigment (melanin) in skin offers poorer protection against UV radiation. People with light hair and light-colored eyes who have skin that tans poorly or freckles, or those who burn easily, are more likely to develop skin cancer.

Gender. Rates of skin cancer in white males have increased in recent years.

Age. Most basal cell and squamous cell cancers appear after age 50, but may appear earlier in individuals with sun-damaged skin.

A history of sunburns or fragile skin. Skin that has been burned, sunburned, or injured from disease is at higher risk for skin cancer. Squamous cell and basal cell cancers more often occur with higher lifetime exposure to the sun or UV radiation.

Individual history. People with weakened immune systems or those who use certain medications (such as immunosuppressive drugs, certain steroids, and drugs that make the skin sensitive to light) are at higher risk for developing skin cancer, particularly squamous cell cancers. People with very rare predisposing genetic conditions, such as xeroderma pigmentosum, nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, or albinism, are at much higher risk for developing skin cancer.

Previous skin cancer. People who have had any form of skin cancer are at a higher risk for developing another skin cancer. Thirty-five percent (35%) to 50% of people diagnosed with one basal cell cancer will develop a new skin cancer within five years. Thus, people who have had one skin cancer need to be followed closely to screen for additional cancers.

Precancerous skin conditions. Two types of lesions, known as actinic keratoses, characterized by rough, red or brown scaly patches on the skin, or Bowen's disease are usually more common in areas exposed to the sun. Such areas can change into squamous cell cancers in some people. Bowen's disease in non-sun-exposed areas may be related to arsenic exposure. Use of sunscreens may decrease the risk of actinic keratoses.

Viral infection. People infected with a specific type of human papillomavirus (HPV) are at increased risk for developing squamous cell carcinoma, particularly if their immune system becomes suppressed.

Prevention

Reducing exposure to UV radiation lowers the risk of melanoma. This is important for all age groups, but is especially important for persons who have risk factors for melanoma. Sun damage is cumulative, meaning it increases over time. Steps to reduce exposure and help prevent many case of melanoma include:
Preventing sunburn


Limiting or avoiding sun exposure between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM


Wearing sun-protective clothing and a hat that shades the face, neck, and ears. Clothes made of fabric labeled with UPF (UV protection factor) may provide better protection. UV-protective sunglasses are also recommended.


Using sunscreen with a solar protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher throughout the year and reapplying it often, especially after heavy perspiration or being in the water


Examining skin regularly (examinations by a health-care professional and self-examinations)


Avoiding use of sun lamps and tanning beds or parlors
Symptoms
People with skin cancer usually experience few, if any, symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be similar to symptoms of other medical conditions. Listed below are the skin features that frequently occur in basal or squamous cell carcinomas. If you are concerned about a symptom or a feature on this list, please talk to your doctor.

Changes in the skin are the main warning sign for skin cancer. Each type of skin cancer can appear differently, and an accurate diagnosis by a health-care practitioner is essential.

For basal cell cancer, two or more of the following features may be present:
An open sore that bleeds, oozes, or crusts, and remains open for several weeks


A reddish, raised patch or irritated area that may crust or itch, and rarely hurts


A shiny pink, red, or white pearly or translucent bump


A pink growth with an elevated border and crusted central indentation


A scar-like, white, yellow, or waxy area, often poorly defined
Squamous cell cancer can often crust and bleed and appears as:
A wart-like growth


A persistent, scaly red patch with irregular borders that may bleed easily


An open sore that persists for weeks


An elevated growth with a rough surface and a central depression
Early detection: finding skin cancer early

Periodic self-examinations may help find skin cancer early. Examinations should be performed in front of a full-length mirror in a brightly lit room. It helps to have another person check the scalp and back of the neck. Non-melanoma skin cancer most often begins on skin that has frequently been exposed to the sun.

A doctor should be consulted for:
Growths on the skin that match any symptoms on either of the above lists


New growth on the skin


Suspicious changes in an existing mole or spot


A sore that doesn't heal within two weeks
Diagnosis
Doctors use many tests to diagnose cancer and determine if it has metastasized (spread). Some tests may also determine which treatments may be the most effective. For most types of cancer, a biopsy is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis of cancer. If a biopsy is not possible, the doctor may suggest other tests that will help make a diagnosis. Imaging tests may be used to find out whether the cancer has metastasized. Your doctor may consider these factors when choosing a diagnostic test:
Age and medical condition
The type of cancer
Severity of symptoms
Previous test results
Because basal cell and squamous cell cancers rarely spread, a biopsy is often the only test needed to determine the stage of cancer. In a biopsy, the doctor removes all or part of the growth, and the tissue is examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. No further treatment beyond the biopsy may be necessary if the entire growth is removed. If the cancer is present at the edges of the biopsy, additional surgery will usually be necessary.
Staging
Staging is a way of describing a cancer, such as where it is located, where it has spread, and if it is affecting the functions of other organs in the body. Doctors use diagnostic tests to determine the cancer's stage, so staging may not be complete until all the tests are finished. Knowing the stage helps the doctor to decide what kind of treatment is best and can help predict a patient's prognosis (chance of recovery).

On rare occasions, lymph nodes may be removed from the patient to determine if the cancer has metastasized. Even more uncommonly, the doctor may perform other tests, including a blood sample, chest x-ray, and diagnostic scans of the liver, bones, and brain.
Treatment
Through ongoing research, the medications used to treat cancer are constantly being evaluated in different combinations and to treat different cancers. Talking with your doctor is often the best way to learn about the medications you've been prescribed, their purpose, and their potential side effects or interactions. For more information, see Drug Information Resources.

The treatment of skin cancer depends on the size and location of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread, and the person's overall health. In many cases, a team of doctors, including a dermatologist, surgeon, radiation therapist, and medical oncologist, will work with the patient to determine the best treatment plan.

Surgery

Many superficial skin cancers can be removed from the skin quickly and easily, and often no further treatment is needed. Most of these treatments use a local anesthetic and can be done outside of a hospital, either by a dermatologist, a general surgeon, or a plastic surgeon. Different types of surgical procedures are used depending on the size of the cancer and where it is located.

Curettage and electrodessication. In this common procedure, the cancer is removed with a curette, a sharp, spoon-shaped instrument. The area can then be treated with electrodessication, which uses an electric current to control bleeding and kill any remaining cancer cells. Many people have a flat, white scar from this procedure.

Mohs surgery. This technique involves removing the visible tumor, in addition to small fragments of the edge where the tumor existed. Each small fragment is examined under a microscope until all cancer is removed. This is typically used for larger tumors, those in hard to reach places, and for cancers that have come back in the same place.

Freezing. Used primarily on precancerous skin conditions, this procedure (known as cryosurgery) uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill cells. The skin will later blister and slough off. This procedure will sometimes leave a white scar. More than one freezing may be needed.

Laser therapy. A narrow beam of high-intensity light can remove or destroy precancer confined to the outer layer of the skin.

Grafting. When a large tumor is removed, surgeons may use a skin graft from another area to both close the wound and reduce scarring.

Radiation therapy

This procedure can be used for skin cancer that is hard to treat with surgery, such as skin cancer that appears on the eyelid, tip of the nose, and ear. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to damage cancer cells, and several treatments may be needed. The treatment may produce a rash, make the skin dry or red, or change the color of the skin.

Topical chemotherapy

For cancers limited to the top layer of the skin or to treat precancerous skin conditions, doctors may prescribe chemotherapy drugs in a cream or lotion formula. These drugs are usually applied daily for several weeks. They may cause inflammation, which later goes away.

Advanced skin cancer

In rare cases, squamous cell cancer can grow deeper into the skin and can spread to other parts of the body. Sites of a chronic inflammatory skin condition, mucous membranes (skin that lines the mouth, nose, vagina, and anus), and the lips are most susceptible to squamous cell cancer.

Surgery alone is not effective in treating skin cancer that has metastasized. To control this distant spread, a person's health-care team may recommend chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation.
Side Effects of Cancer and Cancer Treatment
Cancer and cancer treatment can cause a variety of side effects; some are easily controlled and others require specialized care. Below are some of the side effects that are more common to skin cancer and its treatments. For more detailed information on managing these and other side effects of cancer and cancer treatment, visit the PLWC Managing Side Effects section.

Skin problems. The skin is an organ system that contains many nerves. Because of this, skin problems can be very painful. Because the skin is on the outside of the body and visible to others, many patients find skin problems especially difficult to cope with. Because the skin protects the inside of the body from infection, skin problems can often lead to other serious problems. As with other side effects, prevention or early treatment is best. In other cases, treatment and wound care can often improve pain and quality of life. Skin problems can have many different causes, including chemotherapeutic drugs leaking out of the intravenous (IV) tube, which can cause pain or burning; peeling or burned skin caused by radiation therapy; pressure ulcers (bed sores) caused by constant pressure on one area of the body; and pruritus (itching) in patients with cancer, most often caused by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, or other cancers.
After Treatment
Since non-melanoma skin cancer is frequently occurs on the face, a plastic surgeon or facial specialist may be consulted for complicated surgical procedures. This specialist should be able to fully discuss the impact of the surgery on a person's appearance. People who have multiple surgeries on their face may have a substantially altered appearance. Rarely, the eyelid may be altered.The eyelid may not close well, and the person may need to use drops to moisten the eye. In those rare cases, when extensive facial surgery is necessary, the person will need support and possibly the help of a caregiver during treatment. Some of these surgeries are multi-stage surgeries and may require prolonged absence from work. Since a relatively high proportion of people who have one skin cancer will have several skin cancers, ongoing surveillance by health-care professionals is important.

Usually treatment of a skin cancer involves removal of a small part of the skin without disturbing the underlying structures. Little, if any, rehabilitation is needed.

Use of sun protective measures, as described above, is essential. Also, frequent surveillance examinations (whole body skin examinations) are necessary to detect additional, new skin cancer.

People are encouraged to talk with their doctors about following a healthy diet that includes antioxidants.

Since surgery is the primary treatment used, there are few late effects of treatment, except for potential scarring. In the rare cases, when radiation therapy is used, there is the possibility of a radiation-induced second tumor. These tumors, however, often do not appear for over 10 years. Chemotherapy is only used extremely rarely in advanced disease. It is unlikely that the chemotherapy for advanced disease would have common late effects. It is important to note that chemotherapy is not curative for advanced squamous cell carcinoma and is unlikely to cause leukemia.

Many people who are diagnosed with skin cancer lead an active, outdoor lifestyle. After being diagnosed with skin cancer, many people become concerned about how they will continue their outdoor hobbies (such as hiking, running, and swimming) while, at the same time, protecting themselves from further skin damage. For example, a woman newly diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma might begin to feel isolated if she believes she can no longer be outdoors in the sun and hike. This sense of isolation and loss of a favorite hobby may cause someone to become depressed and withdrawn. It is important for an individual in this situation to feel connected and hopeful for the future. Changing the time of the hikes to before 10:00 AM and wearing long sleeves, long pants, sunscreen, and a hat would help this individual to continue to participate in something that she greatly enjoys.

However, if the person diagnosed with basal skin carcinoma is experiencing pain from surgery, this needs to be considered, and he or she should be encouraged to speak with a pain management specialist.
Current Research
Research involving more advanced diagnostic procedures and treatment for skin cancer is ongoing. The following advancements may still be under investigation in clinical trials and may not be approved or available at this current time. Always discuss all diagnostic and treatment options with your doctor.

Photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy involves a cream or other medication that may be combined with light or laser therapy to remove identified skin lesions.

COX inhibitors for actinic keratoses. As far as preventing second malignancies (cancers), there are ongoing clinical trials of COX inhibitors and actinic keratoses, and topicals for use on actinic keratoses. Consult a doctor for more information.

Imiquimod for superficial squamous cell carcinoma (in situ). Imiquimod (Aldara) is a type of immune response modifier in which the body uses its own immune system as a method of treatment. Consult your doctor for more information.
Patient Information Resources
American Academy of Dermatology
930 Woodfield Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173 United States
Phone: [phone]
847-330-0230
Fax: [phone]
http://www.aad.org

National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention
United States
http://www.skincancerprevention.org/

Skin Cancer Foundation
245 5th Avenue
Suite 1403
New York, NY 10016 United States
Phone: 800-SKIN-490
Fax: [phone]
http://www.skincancer.org/

SunWise School Program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (6205J)
Washington, DC 20460 United States
http://www.epa.gov/sunwise

Answer 2

Basal cell skin cancer (carcinoma) most often appears on areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun, such as the head, face, neck, back, chest, or shoulders. Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and does not usually spread to other parts of the body (metastasize).

Basal cell skin carcinoma is the most common skin cancer in light-skinned people. It is rare in people who have dark skin.

Signs and symptoms may include:

A small, fleshy bump with a smooth, pearly appearance, often with an indentation in the middle.
A scarlike lesion that is firm to the touch.
A bump that bleeds, crusts over, and then repeats the cycle.
A red, tender, flat spot that bleeds easily.
Tiny blood vessels in thin red lines with a spiderlike appearance (telangiectasias).
Treatment for a basal cell cancer involves surgery to remove the lesion and occasionally topical chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Most basal cell skin cancer can be cured, but some may return after treatment.







.

Answer 3

"Definition of Cancer, basal cell

Cancer, basal cell: The most common type of skin cancer, a disease in which the cancer cells resemble the basal cells of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin.

Basal cell carcinomas usually appear as the classic "sore that doesn't heal." A bleeding or scabbing sore that seems to get somewhat better, then recurs and starts to bleed, may be a basal cell carcinoma.

Most basal cell carcinomas are on the face and neck where the skin is exposed to sunlight. However, a fair number show up on parts of the body such as the abdomen, leg, and scalp exposed to little or no sunlight.

Basal cell carcinomas typically are locally invasive. They tend to burrow in locally and not metastasize (spread) to distant locations.

Small basal cell carcinomas can be removed by being scraped and burned (electrodesiccation and curettage). Larger basal cells can be removed by surgery. Basal cell carcinomas on the scalp, ears, and sides of the nose, as well as those which have come back after being treated, are treated best by Mohs' surgery.

One basal cell carcinoma means an increased risk of developing another. Prudent sun precautions and annual skin checkups by the doctor are advisable."

Answer 4

What is the Definition of Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. It is a malignant epithelial cell tumor that begins as a papule (a small, circumscribed, solid elevation of the skin) and enlarges peripherally, developing into a crater that erodes, crusts and bleeds. Metastasis is rare, but local invasion destroys underlying and adjacent tissue. In 90 percent of all cases, the lesion is seen between the hairline and the upper lip.

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Answer 5

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting 800,000 Americans each year. In fact, it is the most common of all cancers. One out of every three new cancers is a skin cancer, and the vast majority are basal cell carcinomas, often referred to by the abbreviation, BCC. These cancers arise in the basal cells, which are at the bottom of the epidermis (outer skin layer). Until recently, those most often affected were older people, particularly men who had worked outdoors. Although the number of new cases has increased sharply each year in the last few decades, the average age of onset of the disease has steadily decreased. More women are getting BCCs than in the past; nonetheless, men still outnumber them greatly.

Answer 6

I had Basal cell cancer next to my eye for years and I ignored it. Finally I went to a dermo. man. They remove it and check it for the cancer and if they got it all while you wait. My doctor made me very comfortable. He had to go back in twice. My fault for putting it off for so many years.
It is a cancer you get from the sun. They cover it and then you have to change the dressings, ect. They warned me about the first time I uncovered it because it does look bad.

The results were wonderful. No more cancer. He gave me scarring cream to use and you can't even see where he cut. It will spread so don't put if off. I was very lucky, mine had not gone too far.

Some people have to go back more than once. They sedate you so you don't feel a thing. It's that darn, "fear of the unknown" that gets us in trouble every time. Go for it and don't worry.

Answer 7

It is one of the three forms of skin cancer. It is the least dangerous. Other forms are squamous cell and melanoma. Usually basal cell is just one or a few cancerous cells on the surface that rarely spread and can easily be removed. My dad had a spot cut off his face, and the surgeon did such a great job you can't even tell.

Answer 8

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. It can be destructive and disfiguring. Risk is increased for individuals with a family history of the disease and a high cumulative exposure to UV light via sunlight or, in the past, carcinogenic chemicals especially arsenic. Treatment is with surgery, topical chemotherapy, x-ray, cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy, or topical immune enhancement drugs such as imiquimod. It is rarely life-threatening but if left untreated can be disfiguring, cause bleeding and produce local destruction (eg., eye, ear, nose, lip).

Answer 9

If it's basal cell cancer that means it's benign.

Answer 10

Read about basal cell carninoma using the link below. It has everything you need to understand it inclusing treatment, signs and symptoms and prevention

Answer 11

It's a form of skin cancer