Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. It affects parts of the body that have been exposed to the sun such as the face, the ears, the neck, the shoulders and the back. In rare cases, these tumors develop in non exposed areas.
Anyone with a history of long term exposure to solar radiation can develop basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Persons at high risk are those with fair skin, blond or red hair and blue, green, or grey eyes. Elderly people are more often affected but in recent years the patients’ mean age is lower.
Basic cell carcinoma occurs more frequently in men than in women. People working outdoors for long periods of time as well as people with prolonged exposure to the sun have higher chances of developing basic cell carcinoma (BCC).
The larger the malignant tumours the more extensive treatment they necessitate. Skin cancer very rarely spreads or metastasizes to the vital organs but it can damage or distort the surrounding tissues.
People with even one basal cell carcinoma are also at increased risk of developing other skin cancers – of the same or different type – over time. Sometimes, basal cell carcinomas resemble to non malignant lesions, e.g. psoriasis or eczema.
ATTENTION: if you notice any suspicious signs or any other warning signs or persistent change on your skin, immediately consult your Dermatologist.
After medical examination by a specialist, the diagnosis of carcinoma is confirmed by biopsy. Nowadays, there are several effective methods to eliminate basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Therapy is selected depending on the type, the affected area and the tumor infiltration depth, the patient’s age and general health condition.
Some of the basal cell carcinoma treatments are the following:
- MOHS micrographic surgery
- Surgical removal
- Curretage and electrodissecation (Cauterization)
- Radiation therapy
- Photodynamic therapy
- Cryosurgery
- Surgical ablation
- Topical application of medication