Basal cell carcinoma is one of the three common forms of skin cancer. It develops in the skin cells responsible for producing new skin cells to replace dead skin cells. These cells are known as the basal cells. It most often occurs on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun. Because it is superficial in nature, it can often be treated and cured.
In the vast majority of cases, basal cell carcinoma occurs on sun-exposed areas like the face and neck. In rarer cases, however, it may develop on other parts of the body including those that are rarely exposed to sunlight. In general, sores that will not heal serve as signs of possible skin cancer. Basal skin carcinoma, however, can sometimes be detected by its own unique symptoms. Many patients develop a bump that is pearly white or waxy. It may bleed, crust, or have a depression in the center. These bumps commonly have visible blood vessels. Another common sign of basal cell carcinoma is a flat, scaly patch of skin that is brown or flesh-colored. Rarely, it may develop in the form of a waxy, white scar.
Diagnosing Basal Cell Carcinoma
When diagnosing a suspected case, doctors first perform a thorough visual examination of the skin. In addition to checking the suspicious skin, he or she also usually checks the rest of the body for other abnormalities. If cancer is suspected after the exam, a small sample of the abnormality may be removed for laboratory testing. This biopsy will determine whether or not the unusual skin is cancerous. Laboratory testing will also reveal the exact type of cancer that is present.
Prognosis of Basal Cell Carcinoma
Because it is a superficial type of cancer, it can normally be removed. Depending on the size and type of skin abnormality, it may be removed through surgical excision, freezing, or other methods. In some cases, the cancer may be removed using Mohs surgery, a procedure in which the skin is removed one layer at a time until no abnormal skin cells remain. This procedure is commonly performed on the face to avoid removing excess amounts of healthy skin. Mild cases can sometimes be treated using topical treatments. The prognosis for this type of cancer is excellent when detected and treated early. The vast majority of cases are successfully treated without further complications, and recurrence is rare.
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