Basal Cell Carcinoma - Treatment and Symptoms

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of slow-growing skin tumor involving cancerous changes in basal skin cells, this disease arises from the basal cells, Basal cell cancer does not usually metastasize or travel in the bloodstream; rather it infiltrates the surrounding area destroying tissue. It begins in the lowest layer of the epidermis, called the basal cell layer and generally develops on sun-exposed areas, especially the head and neck. Basal cell cancer is slow-growing and is not likely to spread to distant parts of the body. It is affecting a big portion of people all around the globe, about 800000 americans became its victim every year.The tumor may be very small in the beginning, growing to 1 or 2 centimeters in diameter after several years of growth.

It is thought to be caused by exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. As people now spend more time working outside it is becoming more prominent.Basal cell cancer should be treated promptly by your dermatologist with dermatologic surgical techniques. This type of skin cancer has a high cure rate, but neglect can allow the cancer to enlarge, causing possible disability or, in rare cases, death.

What are the symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma ?

Major symptoms of Basal cell carcinoma are as follows:

• A skin lesion , growth, or bump located on the face, ear, neck, chest, back, or scalp
  • Pearly or waxy appearance
  • White or light pink, flesh-colored, or brown
  • Flat or slightly raised
• Visible blood vessels in the lesion or adjacent skin
• Appearance of a scarlike lesion without a history of injury to the skin in that area
• A sore that will not heal

Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma

For treating Basal cell carcinoma are as follows:

Fisrstly a biopsy of a suspicious skin lesion is needed to confirm the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma and also because treatment varies depending on the size, depth, and location of the cancer.

• Scraping
• Cauterization (burning)
• Surgical removal, including microscopically controlled surgical removal (Mohs' surgery)
• Cryosurgery (freezing)
• Radiation
• Topical Medications :Imiquimod and 5-FU
• Excisional Surgery
• X-ray beam
• Mohs Micrographic Surgery
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

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