Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common of all the types of skin cancer. It accounts for probably more than 90% of all skin cancers in the United States.

What Is It?
Basal cell is named for the cells from which it originates. The basal cells in the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) are the bottom layer of cells. This cancer is thought to form from these cells when their DNA is damaged to an extent that allows the cells to grow uncontrollably and become a tumor.

What Causes It?
The most common and important risk factor for formation is basal cell carcinoma is exposure to UV radiation which is abundant in sunlight. Cummulative exposure to sun radiation increases the risk so the risk increases with age and is highest on parts of the skin which are exposed to the skin most frequently (such as the face and neck and hands). Individuals who are fairer in skin and have a family history of skin cancers are at greater risk.

What Does It Look Like?
Basal cell typically appears as a pearly, ivory or reddish nodule on the skin with small blood vessels on the surface. It may ulcerate with open sore areas in the middle of it. It is slow growing and most likely to appear on sun exposed skin.

What Is The Prognosis?
Fortunately, basal cell is typically a very slow growing cancer. If left to grow a long time it can reach large size and cause local tissue destruction but this typically takes years or decades. If brought to a doctor's attention at an earlier stage, these tumors can typically be treated quite effectively. Most importantly, basal cell tumors very rarely spreads to distant organs (metastasize). Therefore, even if it isn't caught early, if the tumor can be removed completely the prognosis tends to be very good.