Basal Cell Carcinoma

What is basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is a type of malignant tumor that begins in the basal cells, located in the outer layer of the skin. It is the most common skin cancer and is usually not aggressive.

Symptoms

Basal cell carcinoma may not present symptoms other than a change in the appearance of the affected skin area. Sometimes, it looks like a wound that doesn’t heal and bleeds easily.

Causes

Basal cell carcinoma results from excessive reproduction of basal cells. The main cause is continuous exposure to ultraviolet radiation, either from the sun or artificial sources.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma is made by a doctor after evaluating the lesion. In general, a biopsy is also requested to confirm the condition and differentiate it from other diseases or cancers.

Prevention Method

To reduce the risk of basal cell carcinoma, it is recommended to use sunscreen on the skin. Hats, clothing, and other physical barriers are also helpful when exposed to the sun.

Treatment

Surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma is the most common treatment, along with creams to manage symptoms. If the disease spreads to other organs — which is rare — chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be prescribed.

Duration

Basal cell carcinoma is a skin cancer that is not very aggressive and may take months or years to cause symptoms and is generally cured with surgery.

Contagious?

Basal cell carcinoma is not contagious.

Can it occur more than once?

Yes, it is possible to have more than one basal cell carcinoma in different parts of the body.

By the Einstein Editorial Board