A basal cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer. It is also known as BCC or rodent ulcer. BCC typically affects adults of fair complexion who have had a lot of sun exposure, or repeated episodes of sunburn. Although more common in the elderly, sun-loving New Zealanders frequently develop them in their early 40s and sometimes younger. Skin cancer is divided into two major groups: non-melanoma and melanoma. 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. People who do not tan easily, such as those with fair skin, light hair, and blue, green, or gray eyes, are at highest risk. Although the exact etiology of BCC is unknown, a well-established relationship exists between BCC and the pilosebaceous unit, as tumors are most often discovered on hair-bearing areas. It is often located in the face and on the neck. Basal cell carcinoma is not one of the most dangerous caners but it must still be treated to avoid it spreading.

Types of Basal Cell Carcinoma

There are several different types :

Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma.
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma.
Morphoeic Basal Cell Carcinoma also know as sclerosing.
Ulcerated Basal Cell Carcinoma.
Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma.

Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma

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 of Basal Cell Carcinoma

The exact cause of skin cancer is unknown. I would like to emphasize that ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure is the biggest risk factor. Since sun damage to the skin cells is cumulative over a lifetime, even people who don't get out in the sun much now can be at risk for basal cell cancer. The people at highest risk are those who have fair skin and light colored eyes, and those that have a family history of skin cancers.

Basal cell carcinomas are most common on the face because the face receives more sunlight than other parts of the body.

Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Treatment depends on the size of the tumor and the general health of the patient. Surgery is usually the treatment used to remove the cancer. There are a number of ways the surgery can be performed:

Electrodessication and Curettage - the cancer is burned and removed with a sharp instrument.

Cryosurgery - the cancer is killed by freezing it.

Excision - the cancer is cut from the skin along with some healthy tissue around it.

Micrographic surgery - the cancer is cut from the skin, along with some of the healthy surrounding tissue. The doctor then uses a microscope to examine the area for any remaining cancer cells.

Laser surgery - a narrow beam of light is used to remove the cancer.

Other treatments include radiation therapy, the application of topical chemotherapy to the cancer site and Mohs' micrographic surgery. The aim of any treatment is the removal of the cancer with the least disfigurement.

Prevention tips of Basal Cell Carcinoma

You should minimize stay out the sunrays between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You should use sunscreen with SPF- 15 regularly.
You should wear clothes such as broad hat, long skirts, long sleeves shirt.
You should wear sunglasses when go to outside.

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