Complete Information on Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cutaneous malignancy in humans. These tumors typically look on sun-exposed skin, are slow growing, and rarely metastasize. Basal cell cancer does not usually metastasize or travel in the bloodstream; rather it infiltrates the surrounding area destroying tissue. Over 250,000 new cases per year estimated in the United States. Basal cell carcinoma starts in the top layer of the skin called the epidermis. It grows slowly and is painless. Basal cell skin cancer used to be more common in people over age 40.

But is now often diagnosed in younger people. Basal cell cancer most often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, scalp, ears, chest, back, and legs. These tumors can have several different forms. The most common appearance of basal cell cancer is that of a small dome-shaped bump that has a pearly white color. Blood vessels may be seen on the surface. Basal cell cancer can also appear as a pimple-like growth that heals, only to come back again and again. A less common form called morpheaform, looks like a smooth white or yellowish waxy scar. There are certain environmental and genetic factors can increase this disease.

Sunlight is responsible for over 90 percent of all skin cancers. The earth's ozone layer offers protection from UV radiation by blocking it. Working primarily outdoors, living in an area that gets a lot of high intensity sunlight. Skin type is also contributed factors can increase this disease. People who have fair skin, light hair, and blue, green, or gray eyes are at highest risk. People with weakened immune systems due to excessive unprotected sun exposure and chemotherapy are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma. The cause of the syndrome is a mutation in the PTCH1 tumor-suppressor gene at chromosome 9q22.3.

Which inhibits the hedgehog signaling pathway. Most basal cell carcinomas are removed by surgery. A common method is "electrodessication and curettage". Sometimes use liquid nitrogen with a special ‘double freeze-thaw’ technique for small superficial BCCs. Other treatments include radiation therapy, the application of topical chemotherapy to the cancer site and Mohs' micrographic surgery. Micrographic surgery - the cancer is cut from the skin, along with some of the healthy surrounding tissue. Protect your skin from the sun. Wear covering clothing and apply broad spectrum sunscreens to exposed skin daily during the summer months.