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Beaver Valley Foot Clinic
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  (878) 313-3338 We Can Help!
Beaver Valley Foot Clinic

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a very common skin cancer that develops from the basal cells in your skin. BCC is a curable carcinoma that tends to not spread around, and is common in those who spend copious amounts of time in the sun or in tanning beds. Basal cell carcinoma typically develops on the head, ears, nose and neck, and often appear as a shiny bump, can be red/scaly, or present like an open sore.

Basal Cell Carcinoma link to Sunlight

Sunlight’s UV rays<Ultraviolet Radiation, is thought to be the leading cause of BCC. Basal cells are the bottom layer of the skin, the cells that build new skin cells. Sun damage causes mutations to the DNA. This allows the basal layer to create abnormal cells instead of normal skin cells. These mutated cells grow rapidly and don’t die in 30 days like a normal skin cell would. They build up and accumulate on the skin and this is the raised area we see.

Carcinoma Symptoms

basal cell carcinoma

Be suspicious of BCC if you develop a skin lesion that won’t heal in a sun exposed area. It may start as a translucent area and then change into several different presentation:

Chest or back- scaly flat reddish area with a more raised edge.

Face, neck, and ears- a pink colored bump or pearly white translucent bump. Can often even see the capillaries inside. This may even scab over if you pick at it and can bleed. It is the most common type.

Bluish, black or brown lesion with a translucent  raised border

Least common- morpheaform BCC- can present as a scar-like waxy  clearly defined lesion.

Treatment for basal cell carcinoma

  • surgery
  • skin medications can be used to treat smaller sections of skin, while radiation is often reserved for large patches of affected skin.

Medications include creams like:

  • fluorouracil (Carac)
  • vismodegib (Erivedge)
  • imiquimod (Aldara)

BCC prevention includes actively avoiding extended periods of exposure to the sun, use of sunscreen protection, and annual visits to your dermatologist for full body skin checks. If you have a family history of skin cancers (or have had skin cancer before), it is especially important that you are aware of these preventative measures, and speak with your doctor regularly. If you spot something unusual on your skin please do not hesitate to make an appointment to have it checked out, as early intervention greatly increases chances for successful treatment.

Are certain skin types more prone to developing Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Yes, there are certain skin types that are more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma than others, the primary factors include:

  1. Fair Skin:

People with fair and light skin are a lot likely to develop BBC, as they lack melanin which is something that provides protection against ultraviolet rays of sun.

  1. Freckles and Red Hair:

People with freckles and red hair are more often the ones with fair and light skin, which means they are also more likely to develop BBC.

  1. Tendency to Burn:

Those who sunburn easily rather than tan, are a lot likely to develop BBC. This includes people with light colored eyes, red heads and light skinned people.

  1. History Of Sun Exposure

People who had sun exposure for a really long time in their life, and have suffered from multiple sunburns can develop this problem. This can include people that work under sun such as labors and construction workers.

  1. Weakened or skin that easily damages

Skin with a recent injury or has developed a trauma and has weakened a lot is prone to BBC, as it already doesn’t have enough power to protect itself.

How does Basal Cell Carcinoma impact quality of life?

BBC can affect you in variety of ways, from aesthetic to physical ones. Here are some of them:

  1. Pain and Discomfort

BBC can cause a lot of discomfort, itching and irritation especially if the tumor is developed in the area that is rubbed or touched a lot throughout the day.

  1. Bleeding

As the BBC advances, it may develop an ulcer and may even cause bleeding which is not only annoying but also causes a lot of pain.

  1. Aesthetic problems

Of course, no one likes an ulcer Or tumor growing on the body, especially if it’s developed on exposing parts like face, hands or legs.

Basal Cell Carcinoma Prevention

  1.  Always wear sunscreen – even in winter
  2. Stay out of midday sun
  3. Protective clothing – wide brim hats, long sleeves, tightly woven fabrics can help
  4. Perform regular skin checks, especially for paler skin.
  5. No tanning beds!
  6. If you are ask risk, have a dermatologist map your skin yearly.