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Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), accounting for about 75% of all skin cancers, usually arises on sun-exposed surfaces such as the nose, temple, or upper lip as a minute plaque or nodule. Although BCC is slow-growing and very rarely metastasizes, it can be very aggressive, invading vital organs and causing significant disfigurement.
Treatment & Prevention
Because UV Exposure is the single most important risk factor for skin cancer, sun protection is the best way to decrease the risk. Other suggestions include:- Wear protective clothing, including a hat with 3 inch brim (Not a baseball-type cap!)
- Avoid exposure when the Sun's rays are most intense, especially between 10am and 3pm
- Use Sunscreens and Sunblocks, at least SPF 15
- Protect infants and children from overexposure and especially sunburn - it is estimated that lifetime risk of skin cancer could be reduced 80% with proper sun protection in childhood.
Prognosis
Almost 100% of cases are curable, even in relatively advanced stages, with surgery and/or radiation therapy.
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Conditions that suggest Basal Cell Cancer:
Risk factors for Basal Cell Cancer:
Basal Cell Cancer suggests the following may be present:
Preventive measures against Basal Cell Cancer:
KEY | | Weak or unproven link |  | | Strong or generally accepted link |  | | Proven definite or direct link |  | | May do some good |  | | Likely to help |
GLOSSARY
BCC
Basal Cell Carcinoma.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Carcinoma
Malignant growth of epithelial cells tending to infiltrate the surrounding tissue and giving rise to metastasis: An invasive malignant tumor derived from epithelial tissue that tends to metastasize to other areas of the body.
Metastasize (Metastases, Metastasized, Metastasizes, Metastasizing, Metastatic)
Usually in reference to cancer: to spread, especially destructively.
Radiation Therapy (Radiotherapy)
The use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Depending on the stage of the disease, treatment with radiation may be given alone or with chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is local therapy; it affects cancer cells only in the treated area. External radiation does not cause the body to become radioactive. Most often, treatment is given on an outpatient basis in a hospital or clinic.
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
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