Symptoms
Unlike squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell cancer is rarely deadly and remains confined to a particular area. Based on several studies, the basal cell carcinoma survival rate is 100% for cases that have not spread to nearby sites.
Causes
Treatment of basal cell carcinoma is nearly always successful, and the cancer is rarely fatal. However, almost 25% of people with a history of basal cell carcinoma develop a new basal cell cancer within 5 years of the first one. Thus, anyone with one basal cell carcinoma should have a yearly skin examination.
Prevention
Risk factors for BCC include:
- Exposure to UV radiation, whether its from the sun or indoor tanning beds/sunlamps. ...
- Exposure to ionizing radiation, such as the radiation generated during medical imaging procedures like X rays
- Fair complexion, hair, and eyes. ...
- A weakened immune system, particularly in patients receiving immunosuppressive regimens after undergoing organ transplantation
Complications
Basal Cell Carcinoma’s are generally harmless skin cancers and do not spread anywhere else or kill people. They can grow to a big size locally, and even destroy bone if left untreated. Therefore treatment of the cancer (with either creams/ PDT or surgery, as appropriate) is recommended.
How dangerous is basal cell carcinoma?
How serious is basal cell skin cancer?
What are the risk factors of basal cell carcinoma?
Can basal cell carcinoma kill you?
How is basal skin cancer caused?
Most basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are caused by repeated and unprotected skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight, as well as from man-made sources such as tanning beds. UV rays can damage the DNA inside skin cells.
What is a major contributor to the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma?
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and indoor tanning is the major cause of BCCs and most skin cancers.
What is the most common treatment for basal cell carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma is most often treated with surgery to remove all of the cancer and some of the healthy tissue around it. Options might include: Surgical excision. In this procedure, your doctor cuts out the cancerous lesion and a surrounding margin of healthy skin.
What kills basal cell carcinoma?
Cryotherapy (cryosurgery) Cryotherapy is used most often for pre-cancerous conditions such as actinic keratosis and for small basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. For this treatment, the doctor applies liquid nitrogen to the tumor to freeze and kill the cells.
How do you prevent basal cell carcinoma?
To reduce your risk of basal cell carcinoma you can:Avoid the sun during the middle of the day. ... Wear sunscreen year-round. ... Wear protective clothing. ... Avoid tanning beds. ... Check your skin regularly and report changes to your doctor.
Is BCC hereditary?
Inheritance and Risk Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are two of the most common malignancies in the United States and are often caused by sun exposure, although several hereditary syndromes and genes are also associated with an increased risk of developing these cancers.
Should I worry if I have basal cell carcinoma?
How dangerous is BCC? While BCCs rarely spread beyond the original tumor site, if allowed to grow, these lesions can be disfiguring and dangerous. Untreated BCCs can become locally invasive, grow wide and deep into the skin and destroy skin, tissue and bone.
How long does it take for a basal cell carcinoma to heal?
The site of treatment often takes a month or two to heal.
How long does it take to recover from basal cell carcinoma surgery?
The wound may take 3 to 6 weeks to heal. How long it takes depends on the size of the area treated. Good wound care may help the scar fade with time.
Can you freeze off a basal cell carcinoma?
Cryotherapy. Cryotherapy is a nonsurgical treatment for basal cell carcinoma. Your doctor applies liquid nitrogen to the tumor, freezing the abnormal tissue. The frozen skin then sloughs off (falls away) as the skin underneath heals.
What happens if you don't remove basal cell carcinoma?
Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas However, left untreated, BCCs can grow deeper into the skin and damage surrounding skin, tissue, and bone. Occasionally, a BCC can become aggressive, spreading to other parts of the body and even becoming life threatening.
Does basal cell carcinoma grow deep?
Basal cell carcinoma spreads very slowly and very rarely will metastasize, Dr. Christensen says. But if it's not treated, basal cell carcinoma can continue to grow deeper under the skin and cause significant destruction to surrounding tissues. It can even become fatal.
How is basal cell carcinoma treated?
What are the treatments for basal cell carcinoma (BCC)? BCC is treated by removing it. The choice of treatment depends on many things, including patient health and age, the location of the tumor, and the extent and type of the cancer.
What are the complications of basal cell carcinoma?
What are the complications/side effects of the treatments for basal cell carcinoma (BCC)? Most of the complications related to BCC treatments other than the hedgehog inhibitors are cosmetic, such as scarring or redness.
What is the name of the drug that is used to treat BCC?
These drugs are of a class called hedgehog inhibitors.
What is BCC in medical terms?
What is basal cell carcinoma (BCC)? BCC is a type of skin cancer that may form in the basal cells of the skin. These cells are the ones that make new cells to replace the cells that die. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.
What happens if you have BCC?
If you have had BCC or another type of skin cancer, you will probably be given a recommended schedule of needed appointments. You should follow up on these appointments as directed.
Where is BCC found?
BCC is often found on the areas of the body reached by the sun, such as the face, hands and neck. Exposure to radiation and/or arsenic may also be a cause. It is possible that you might inherit a tendency for basal cell carcinomas.
Is basal cell carcinoma more common in whites or blacks?
It occurs more often in older people. People with fair skin and light eyes are more likely to get BCC. It is 19 times more common in whites than blacks, but people of color may still be affected.
What is the treatment for basal cell carcinoma?
Surgery. Different types of surgery can be used to treat basal cell cancers. Curettage and electrodesiccation: This is a common treatment for small basal cell carcinomas. It might need to be repeated to help make sure all of the cancer has been removed.
What is the procedure to remove basal cell carcinoma?
Excision: Excision (cutting the tumor out) is often used to remove basal cell carcinomas, along with a margin of normal skin. Mohs surgery: Mohs surgery is especially useful in treating cancers that are at higher risk for coming back, such as large tumors, tumors where the edges are not well-defined, tumors in certain locations ...
Can basal cell cancer spread to other parts of the body?
The options depend on factors such as the tumor size and location, and a person’s age, general health, and preferences. These cancers very rarely spread to other parts of the body , although they can grow into nearby tissues if not treated.
Can basal cell cancer be cured?
In rare cases where basal cell cancer spreads to other parts of the body or can’t be cured with surgery or radiation therapy, a targeted drug such as vismodegib (Erivedge) or sonidegib (Odomzo) can often shrink or slow its growth.
Why do basal cells get cancer?
Most basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are caused by repeated and unprotected skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight, as well as from man-made sources such as tanning beds. UV rays can damage the DNA inside skin cells. DNA is the chemical in each of our cells that makes up our genes, which control how our cells function.
What are the genes that are mutated in basal cell cancer?
Genes often mutated in basal cell cancers include the PTCH1 or PTCH2 genes , which are part of the “hedgehog” signaling pathway inside cells. These are tumor suppressor genes that normally help keep cell growth in check, so changes in one of these genes can allow cells to grow out of control.
What is the gene that causes squamous cell cancer?
The gene most often altered in squamous cell cancers is the TP53 tumor suppressor gene . This gene normally causes cells with damaged DNA to die. When TP53 is altered, these abnormal cells may live longer and might go on to become cancerous.
Why do people with XP have cancer?
Because people with XP are less able to repair DNA damage caused by sunlight, they often develop many cancers on sun-exposed areas of their skin. The link between squamous cell skin cancer and infection with some types of the human papilloma virus (HPV) also involves DNA and genes.
What is XP skin cancer?
People with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) have a high risk for skin cancer. XP is a rare, inherited condition resulting from a change in one of the XP ( ERCC) genes, which leads to a defect in one of the proteins that normally helps repair DNA damage.
Can basal cell skin cancer cause genetic changes?
These types of gene changes can lead to cells growing out of control. Researchers don’t yet know all of the DNA changes that result in basal or squamous cell skin cancer, but they have found that in many skin cancers the cells have changes in tumor suppressor genes.
Why do people get basal cell carcinoma?
Most people develop it because their skin has been badly damaged by ultraviolet (UV) light from: The sun. Indoor tanning equipment (such as tanning beds or sunlamps) Both.
What is the risk of getting skin cancer?
The main risk factor (anything that increases your risk of getting a disease) for getting this skin cancer is: UV-damaged skin caused by the sun or tanning beds. Each time you go outdoors without protecting your skin from the sun or use a tanning bed, you increase your risk of getting skin cancer.
How does UV light affect skin?
Every time UV light hits our skin, it can damage some of the DNA inside our skin’s cells. The body tries to repair this damage. As UV light from the sun, indoor tanning equipment, or both, continues to hit our skin, the damage builds up. Eventually, it becomes too much for the body to repair.
What are the risks of developing BCC?
If you have one of the following medical conditions, you have an increased risk of developing BCC. Some people who have one of these conditions develop 100's of skin cancers. Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (aka Gorlin syndrome) Xeroderma pigmentosum. Rombo syndrome.
Can sunburns cause cancer?
If you’ve had sunburns, especially blistering ones in your youth, you have a higher risk of developing this skin cancer. Where you live. Living in an area that gets intense sunlight year-round, such as Florida or California, increases your risk of getting skin cancer.
Can UV light cause cancer?
This skin cancer develops in skin damaged by UV light, and skin is more easily damaged by UV light if you have one or more of the following: Naturally blonde or red hair. Sunburns. If you’ve had sunburns, especially blistering ones in your youth, you have a higher risk of developing this skin cancer. Where you live.
Does arsenic cause skin cancer?
Many researchers have found that the more arsenic found in your food or water, the greater your risk of developing BCC. While having a risk factor for BCC increases your risk of developing it, some people who get this skin cancer don’t have risk factors.
How to remove basal cell carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma is most often treated with surgery to remove all of the cancer and some of the healthy tissue around it. Options might include: Surgical excision. In this procedure, your doctor cuts out the cancerous lesion and a surrounding margin of healthy skin.
What is the best treatment for basal cell carcinoma?
C and E might be an option for treating small basal cell carcinomas that are less likely to recur, such as those that form on the back, chest, hands and feet. Radiation therapy . Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays and protons, to kill cancer cells.
What is the treatment for skin cancer?
Photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy combines photosensitizing drugs and light to treat superficial skin cancers. During photodynamic therapy , a liquid drug that makes the cancer cells sensitive to light is applied to the skin. Later, a light that destroys the skin cancer cells is shined on the area.
What is targeted therapy for basal cell carcinoma?
Targeted therapy drugs for basal cell carcinoma block molecular signals that enable the cancers to continue growing. They might be considered after other treatments or when other treatments aren't possible. Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells.
What is the goal of basal cell carcinoma treatment?
The goal of treatment for basal cell carcinoma is to remove the cancer completely. Which treatment is best for you depends on the type, location and size of your cancer, as well as your preferences and ability to do follow-up visits. Treatment selection can also depend on whether this is a first-time or a recurring basal cell carcinoma.
What doctor will assess skin growth?
Diagnosis. In order to assess any growths or changes in your skin, your doctor or a specialist in skin conditions (dermatologist) will conduct a medical history and exam.
Can basal cell carcinoma spread to lymph nodes?
Very rarely, basal cell carcinoma may spread (metastasize) to nearby lymph nodes and other areas of the body. Additional treatment options in this situation include: Targeted drug therapy. Targeted drug treatments focus on specific weaknesses present within cancer cells.
What causes basal cell carcinoma?
Causes. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or from a tanning bed are the main cause of basal cell carcinoma. When UV rays hit your skin, over time, they can damage the DNA in your skin cells. The DNA holds the code for the way these cells grow. Over time, damage to the DNA can cause cancer to form.
What does a basal cell carcinoma look like?
It can be pink, brown, or black. At first, a basal cell carcinoma comes up like a small "pearly" bump that looks like a flesh-colored mole or a pimple that doesn’t go away. Sometimes these growths can look dark. Or you may also see shiny pink or red patches that are slightly scaly.
How long does it take for basal cell carcinoma to show?
Basal cell carcinoma usually grows very slowly and often doesn't show up for many years after intense or long-term exposure to the sun. You can get it at a younger age if you're exposed to a lot of sun or use tanning beds.
How to protect skin from UVA rays?
The sun’s UVA rays are present all day long -- that’s why you need daily sunscreen. Make sure you apply sunscreen with at least a 6% zinc oxide and a sun protection factor of 30 to all parts of the skin that aren't covered up with clothes every day.
What is the most common type of skin cancer?
Basal Cell Carcinoma. Learn more from WebMD about basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, including its causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention techniques. Learn more from WebMD about basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, including its causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention techniques.
How does a surgeon remove a tumor?
Your surgeon removes your tumor layer by layer. They take out some tissue, then look at it under a microscope to see if it has cancer cells, before moving on to the next layer. Your doctor may recommend this surgery if your tumor is: Large. In a sensitive area of your body. Has been there for a long time.
How to tell if you have cancer?
Some signs of cancer include areas of skin that are growing, changing, or bleeding. Check your skin regularly with a hand-held mirror and a full-length mirror so that you can get a good view of all parts of your body. Avoid too much sun.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Learn more about the risk factors for basal and squamous cell skin cancer.
Prevention
There is no sure way to prevent skin cancer. But there are things you can do that might lower your risk. Learn more.
What kind of doctor treats basal cell cancer?
Most basal and squamous cell cancers (as well as pre-cancers) are treated by dermatologists – doctors who specialize in treating skin diseases. If the cancer is more advanced, you may be treated by another type of doctor, such as: A surgical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with surgery. A medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer ...
What to consider when considering skin cancer treatment?
Some important things to consider include: The type and location of your skin cancer.
What is the difference between a radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist?
A medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with chemotherapy or other medicines. A radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy. You might have many other specialists on your treatment team as well, including physician assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), nurses, nutrition specialists, social workers, ...
What are the services offered by the American Cancer Society?
These might include nursing or social work services, financial aid, nutritional advice, rehab, or spiritual help. The American Cancer Society also has programs and services – including rides to treatment, lodging, and more – to help you get through treatment.
What do people with cancer need?
People with cancer need support and information, no matter what stage of illness they may be in. Knowing all of your options and finding the resources you need will help you make informed decisions about your care.
Is treatment information given here official policy of the American Cancer Society?
The treatment information given here is not official policy of the American Cancer Society and is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your cancer care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.
Can you continue cancer treatment?
Whether or not you continue treatment, there are still things you can do to help maintain or improve your quality of life.
