Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in cells within the epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It can develep in anyone who has excessive and long term exposure to sunlight. It is more common in people with fair skin, although can occur in anyone.
Most basal cell skin cancers occur on areas of the skin that have been damaged by sunlight. Common areas include the head (especially the nose), the neck, shoulders, hands, arms, and lower legs. Sometimes it can appear on the abdomen and back or areas that are not exposed to much sunlight, such as the palms, soles, and genitals.
Most, but not all, basal cell carcinomas grow slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. However, it is left untreated for several years, it may extend deeper into your skin and into the cartilage and bone.
Thirty six to fifty percent of people with basal carcinoma will develop a second nonmelanoma skin cancer within 5 years. Therefore, practicing good sun protection and having regular skin exams performed by a doctor are very important parts of any treatment program for basal cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinomas may be treated by a variety of ways, including curettage and electrosurgery, excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, radiation, topical or oral drug treatment, or cryotherapy. Your doctor with discuss the different treatment options with you and recommend the best option for your specific cancer.
What you can do.
New basal cell tumors usually appear in areas where the skin has been damaged by the sun. You should take extra care to protect your skin from the sun. Although you cannot reverse all the damage that the sun has already done to your skin, you can protect your skin from further damage. Here are some tips:
Most basal cell skin cancers occur on areas of the skin that have been damaged by sunlight. Common areas include the head (especially the nose), the neck, shoulders, hands, arms, and lower legs. Sometimes it can appear on the abdomen and back or areas that are not exposed to much sunlight, such as the palms, soles, and genitals.
Most, but not all, basal cell carcinomas grow slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. However, it is left untreated for several years, it may extend deeper into your skin and into the cartilage and bone.
Thirty six to fifty percent of people with basal carcinoma will develop a second nonmelanoma skin cancer within 5 years. Therefore, practicing good sun protection and having regular skin exams performed by a doctor are very important parts of any treatment program for basal cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinomas may be treated by a variety of ways, including curettage and electrosurgery, excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, radiation, topical or oral drug treatment, or cryotherapy. Your doctor with discuss the different treatment options with you and recommend the best option for your specific cancer.
What you can do.
New basal cell tumors usually appear in areas where the skin has been damaged by the sun. You should take extra care to protect your skin from the sun. Although you cannot reverse all the damage that the sun has already done to your skin, you can protect your skin from further damage. Here are some tips:
- Change the pattern and timing of your outdoor activities to reduce your exposure to high intensity UV radiation. The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so you should avoid sun exposure between those hours.
- Wear protective clothing such as long plants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a wide-brimmed hat that shades your ears and neck when you are outside, even when the sun is behind clouds. Fabrics that have a tight weave generally provide the best sun protection.
- Shade yourself with an umbrella or parasol if you wil be in the sun for a long time (for example, at a sporting event).
- Use sunscreen with SPF at least 15 or higher every day, rain or shine. A broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation is best. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you go outside, and reapply it every 2 hours, especially after sweating or swimming. For whole body coverage, use about 1 once (a palmful) of sunscreen.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses with at least 99% UV absorption. Look for sunglasses labeled as blocking UVA and UVB light.
- Remember, the effects of sun exposure and damage build up over time to contribute to your overall risk for skin cancer. Don't suntan! Don't sunburn!