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basal cell carcinoma

Skin cancer is a growing issue worldwide and due to an increase in UV rays and depletion of the ozone layer, cases of skin cancer are at an all-time high throughout the globe. However, despite the rise in the cases of skin cancer among people of all ages, a considerable population is unaware of this problem. Most people hardly have any knowledge about skin cancer or the dangerous consequences of this disease.  Let’s look at the Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma.

We all know so much about cancer that doctors are yet to find a definite cure to the problem, which means the increase in skin cancer cases is a much bigger threat because it is untreatable and extremely dangerous. Hence, the best course, in this case, would be to take preventative measures and increase your knowledge about the problem – and that is exactly what we are going to help you with today.

Skin cancer, like many forms of cancer, has many different types but the most common one is Basal Cell Carcinoma. If the name sounds new, then this article is just for you. Today, we are discussing Basal cell carcinoma – what it is, what are its symptoms and causes and if there is a way we can prevent it. So without further ado, let's dive in!

Types of Skin Cancer

As we said above, there are three most common types of skin cancer, namely:

  • Squamous cell Carcinoma: occurs in the squamous cells right under the skin.
  • Melanoma: the most dangerous type of skin cancer, which can spread to other organs – it develops in the melanin cells called melanocytes.
  • Basal Cell Carcinoma: occurs in the basal cells found right under the squamous cells.

Today, we will discuss basal cell carcinoma in more detail, so let's get an overview of this disease, its symptoms, causes, and treatment methods.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Overview

As mentioned above and quite evident from its name, basal cell carcinoma (also called BCC) is a type of skin cancer that begins in the skin's basal cells. Basal cells form a layer of cells right under the squamous cells and line the epidermis of our skin. The function of basal cells is to replace old or dead cells with new ones, which is why tumors of basal cell carcinoma appear on the skin’s surface.

Patients of basal cell carcinoma have reported finding bumps, growths, sores, and red patches on their skin, which is usually due to the tumor present under the epidermis. The one good thing about basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, is that it is not as dangerous as the other two types, especially melanoma. It doesn’t spread to other body parts and can be removed or treated. However, it is still dangerous and though rarely, even life-threatening. It can cause disfigurement and needs to be treated asap. It is most common in areas most exposed to the sun and is the most common type of skin cancer, which is why every person is advised to take preventive measures to avoid it at all costs.

Symptoms

Basal cell carcinoma is very easily diagnosable because the symptoms of the cancer are quite evident and unique in appearance. Most indicators of basal cell carcinoma appear on the skin surface; here are some of the most commons signs and symptoms of BCC:

●        Transparent Bumps

The most common and one of the first few symptoms of BCC is the appearance of transparent or translucent, skin-colored bumps or nodules on the skin's surface. These lumps are shiny, and you can see under the skin through them. Some of them also have visible blood vessels under them. These bumps also grow in size over time, so keeping them in check is better.

●        Lesions or Spots

This is also called pigmented BCC, the appearance of dark spots also called lesions. Most of these lesions are dark in color, like black, brown, or blue. They also often have a raised, translucent border surrounding them.

●        Scarring or Scar Formation

Skin cancer patients also experience the development of scars on the skin. This is another definite indicator of BCC as patients start seeing patches of their skin start resembling scars. These scar-like lesions are often white and waxy in appearance and have no clearly defined borders, which is why they are irregular in shape.

●        Scaly Patches of Skin

Along with scars, patients also experience parts of their skin turning scaly over time. These patches of skin have a raised edge and can grow quite large over time. Some of these patches are also itchy and sometimes also appear red – like eczema, often causing confusion for doctors and patients.

Causes

We all know that exposure to UV rays is the primary cause behind the development of skin cancer –almost all types of skin cancers are caused due to prolonged exposure to the sun or UV rays. UV rays are mostly found in the sunlight, which is why people who spend long hours in the sun often develop cancer over time. However, other than the sunlight, UV rays are also found in commercial tanning lamps and tanning beds. Hence, it shows exposure to UV rays in any form causes the development of basal cell carcinoma.

Along with that, some factors increase the chances of developing BCC, such as:

  • Increasing age
  • Fairer Skin (or fewer melanin cells)
  • Exposure to radiation
  • Exposure to arsenic
  • Family history of skin cancer

Treating Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma may not be the most dangerous type of skin cancer, but it is a hazardous disease that needs to be treated as soon as possible. The symptoms of the disease are quite distinctive and can easily indicate the problem. Some treatment methods are used to reverse the effect of cancer, such as Mohs surgery and excisional surgery. However, the best course is to take preventative measures against BCC because care is always better than cure, especially when it comes to cancer.

SunCoast Skin Solutions Dermatology offices are located in Tampa / Hillsborough, St. Pete / Pinellas County, Brandon, Lutz, Winter Haven, Largo, Hudson, Leesburg, Riverview, Brooksville, Clearwater, Ocala, Palm Harbor, Daytona Beach, Sarasota, Punta Gorda, Seminole, Florida. Contact us at 1-844-786-3376 or click here.