Basal Cell Carcinoma Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Basal cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer. This cancer is the most harmless cancer compared to other skin cancers. This cancer rarely spreads to the skin in other parts of the body. However, this cancer can spread to the bones or other tissues under the skin affected by skin cancer.
This type of skin cancer initially appears as a small, shiny lump on the nose or other parts of the face. Basal cell carcinoma can also occur on other areas of the body, such as the trunk, legs and arms.
Basal cell carcinoma also generally grows very slowly and does not appear for many years. This cancer can occur in young people who are exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) light or use tanning beds. In addition, basal cell carcinoma is also more common in young people.
As with most cancers, if caught early, this cancer can be cured.
Symptoms
At first, basal cell carcinoma looks like a small, shiny, pearl-like lump. The bumps can be flesh-colored moles or pimples that don’t go away. In addition, a lump can also be just a red or pink spot that is shiny and scaly. Basal cell carcinoma lumps are usually fragile and bleed easily.
Basal cell carcinoma can vary in color. Basal cell carcinoma may appear pink, brown, or black.
Reason
UV rays from the sun or tanning beds are the main cause of basal cell carcinoma. UV rays damage the DNA of the skin which then causes skin cells to grow uncontrollably.
Diagnosis
To determine the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma, the doctor will conduct a medical interview and physical examination of lumps that appear on the skin.
Supporting tests such as a biopsy (taking tissue samples) also need to be done for examination in the laboratory. Examination of tissue samples can determine whether cancer cells are present.
Treatment
Treatment of skin cancer basal cell carcinoma is not only to treat cancer but also needs to think about minimal scarring in the future. Some types of treatment that can be done are:
- Excision of the tumor, which is cutting out the skin cancer and its surroundings
- Curette and electrodesiccation with electricity to kill other cancer cells
- Cryosurgery, which is the process of freezing cancer cells using liquid nitrogen with the aim of killing the cancer cells
- Radiation therapy, which uses X-Rat to kill cancer cells
- Mohs surgery, which removes the tumor from layer to layer and checks directly whether the cells are cancer before moving to the lower layers
- Medications such as fluorouracil, imiquimod, and vismodegib
Prevention
The best thing you can do to prevent basal cell carcinoma is to avoid overexposure to UV rays. Especially avoid UV exposure from 10 am to 2 pm, when UVB is strongest.
Use sunscreen for added protection. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every 60–80 minutes, when outside. Use closed clothing to avoid sunlight.
In addition, you should also avoid using tanning beds. Get regular checkups if you’ve had skin cancer before, as new skin cancers can appear.