Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer.Its caused by exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Basal cell carcinoma grows by direct extension and appears to rely on the surrounding supportive tissue to grow. Basal cell cancer does not metastasize through blood vessels or lymphatics. Its course is unpredictable. It may grow slowly for years, then suddenly grow rapidly.

Types of Basal Cell Carcinoma

There are several different types of Basal Cell Carcinoma :

Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma : Is often found on the face.
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma :Is often multiple, most often on the upper trunk or shoulders.
Morphoeic Basal Cell Carcinoma also know as sclerosing : Its look like a skin-colored, rather waxy, thickened scar.
Ulcerated Basal Cell Carcinoma
Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma

Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Usually located on the face, ears, neck, hands, arms.
Begins as a small, raised growth
White or light pink, flesh-colored, or brown.
A Reddish Patch
A smooth growth with an elevated
A Shiny Bump

Causes of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinomas are most common on the face because the face receives more sunlight than other parts of the body.
Prolonged sun exposure causes skin damage which may develop into basal cell carcinoma.

Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell can be removed surgically or with radiation. As with any type of cancer, early detection is important. Consult with an ophthalmologist or dermatologist about any suspicious growth appearing on the eyelids or skin.

Surgically - Many small, well defined nodular or superficial Basal cell carcinomas can be successfully removed by removing just the top layers of the skin.

Laser Surgery - Lasers are effective for removing actinic cheilitis from the lips and AKs from the face and scalp. They give the physician good control over the depth of tissue removed, much like chemical peels.

Radiation therapy - It can be useful for tumors that have spread into the lymph nodes. It may also be used for patients whose medical condition will not allow him or her to under go surgery.

Topical fluorouracil - This method may be helpful in the management of selected patients with superficial basal cell carcinomas. Careful and prolonged follow-up is required, since deep follicular portions of the tumor may escape treatment and result in future tumor recurrence.

Cryosurgery - the cancer is killed by freezing it.

X-ray treatment- This is less commonly used to treat BCCs than in the past. It may be a suitable way to eradicate skin cancer on the face in the elderly.

Photo dynamic therapy - Photo dynamic therapy with photosensitizes may be effective treatment for patients with superficial epithelial skin tumors.

Excisional- This is one of the most common treatments for BCCs. The lesion is cut out and the skin stitched up. This is the most appropriate treatment for nodular, infiltrative and morphoeic Basal cell carcinomas.