Basal Cell Carcinoma – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Basal cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer that manifests as an infected wound that won't stop bleeding or an abnormal growth that penetrates all the way to the epidermis.
Skin type has a significant impact on basal cell carcinoma diagnosis. It first appears as a transparent, light pink lump on white skin, which might later develop into a black wound that looks painful. Dark skin is translucent and appears dark like the surrounding skin, with little blood vessels visible all around it.
Causes of Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is a DNA mutation of the skin's basal cells that is primarily brought on by excessive UV exposure. Additionally, although it may take some time, research has shown that those with white skin, older folks, and those who have already suffered from severe sunburns are far more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma.
However, regular exposure causes a build-up of UV rays, and basal cell carcinoma seldom develops in areas that are not exposed to UV radiation. Radiation from radiation therapy is also known to produce basal cell carcinoma, which is known to enlarge. Does this fact invalidate radiation therapy? No, because radiation treatment-related basal cell carcinoma occurrences are uncommon, and patients are protected throughout radiation therapy.
Diagnosis of Basal Cell Carcinoma
The dermatologist will first perform a thorough examination to find any swelling aside from the one the patient saw (to see if there is another) before diagnosing the type of skin illness or cancer the patient has. In order to determine what type of cancer it is and whether the surrounding skin has any signs of cancer, a type of biopsy will be performed on the affected area and the skin around it. Because moles are also checked and screened for cancerous symptoms, the biopsy does not rule out the possibility of moles. The purpose of the biopsy is to determine the following:
-
- The type of cancer
-
- The size of the swelling
-
- Location of the swelling
-
- Depth of the tumour
-
- Age and health history of the patient
After performing the biopsy, the dermatologist can determine with certainty whether the condition is Basal cell carcinoma and create a treatment strategy.
Treatments
Treatment can not guarantee that basal cell carcinoma will not return; however, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of this happening. The most effective treatment for Basal cell carcinoma in the majority of cases is surgical excision, but it depends on the patient (if they want surgery). However, there are further treatments available, such as:
-
Surgery: This involves removing the malignant lesion or BCC-affected area down to the epidermis, leaving a small margin of skin around it. Remember that the extent of the margin is initially assessed by looking for signs of malignancy in the surrounding skin.
-
MOH’s surgery: The goal of MOH's procedure is to keep as much of the natural, healthy skin as possible.
-
Radiation therapy X-ray-like radiation beams are used in radiation therapy to eliminate the BCC's mutated cells.
-
Cryosurgery: This is the process of treating BCC by using liquid nitrogen to freeze the tumours.
Conclusion
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is merely a DNA mutation brought on by excessive sun exposure in basal skin cells. Translation: By limiting your exposure to the sun, we can avoid BCC.
Reduce the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma (BCC) by having regular skin checks from a trusted Gold Coast skin cancer clinic.
Daily Bulletin