Basal Cell CarcinomaBy: Linsey Morris

Description• Most common form of skin cancer.• Least deadly.• The risk is related to the amount of sun exposure to

pigmentation in the skin.• The longer the exposure to the sun and the lighter the skin, the

greater the risk of skin cancer.• One of the most common types is nodular basal cell carcinoma

which is a cream to pink colored, round or oval nodule with overlying small blood vessels with a pearly border.

• Another type is the pigmented lesion (wound). It is darker than the nodular type and appears blue, brown or black.

• The third type is the superficial type which appears as red, scaly, localized plaque. It is sometimes confused with eczema.

Symptoms• An open sore that oozes and remains open for three

weeks or more.• An irritated area occurring on the chest, shoulders,

arms or legs. Sometimes it will itch or hurt, others there will be no noticable discomfort.

• A smooth growth with a rolled border and an indentation in the center that develops tiny blood vessels as it grows.

• A shiny bump that is pearly or clear and is often pink, red or white. It can also be tan, black, or brown and can be confused with a mole.

• A scar-like area that is white, yellow, or waxy in appearance which has poorly defined borders. The skin will appear shiny or tight.

What Layer of Skin Does it Effect?

•Basal cell carcinoma is a cancer that originates in cells of the epidermis.

Cause

• The main cause is overexposure to the sun’s UV rays.

• Other reasons could be heredity or the environment.

Cure

• A majority of cases are not serious if they’re treated early.

• Treatment depends on the size of the tumor and the health of the patient.

• Surgery such as laser surgery can be used to remove the cancer.

• Radiation and chemotherapy are other choices.

Worst Case Scenario

• Although the basal cell carcinoma is removed, another growth can occur in the same place within the first two years after a surgery. So it’s very important to examine the previous area thoroughly and make sure the cancer is removed with the least disfigurement.

Three Facts

•In 90% of all cases, the wound is often seen between the hairline and the upper lip.

•Occurs almost twice as often in men as in women.

•Occurs most frequently in people over 45 years of age.

Reflection• Basal Cell Carcinoma can be easily

avoided as long as you use proper protection while out in the sun and avoid staying out too long. It’s a very easy skin disorder to get, but it’s also very easy to take care of as long as it’s treated before it gets too bad.

Sources

http://ww3.komotv.com/global/story.asp?s=1230300

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basal_cell_carcinoma

http://www.wildcrafted.com.au/Articles/Natural_Skin_Care_Articles/Skin_Cancer.html