What do Doctors call this Condition? - Basal Cell Epithelioma
What is this Condition?
Basal cell cancer is a slow-growing destructive skin tumor. This cancer usually occurs in people over age 40. It’s more prevalent in blond, fairÂskinned men. In fact, it’s the most common malignant tumor in whites.
What Causes it?
Prolonged sun exposure is the most common cause of basal cell cancer. Other possible causes include arsenic ingestion, radiation exposure, burns, immunosuppression and, rarely, vaccinations.
Although it’s not well known how basal cell cancers develop, some experts suspect they originate when, under certain conditions, undifferentiated skin basal cells become cancerous instead of differentiating into sweat glands, sebum, and hair.
What are its Symptoms?
Symptoms vary, depending on which of the three types of basal cell cancer is involved. In one type, lesions develop on the face, particularly the forehead, eyelid margins, and around the nose. The lesions are initially small, smooth, and translucent, later becoming enlarged and ulcerated. In a second type, irregularly shaped, lightly pigmented plaques with clearly defined borders develop on the chest and back. The third type forms indistinct waxy, yellow to white plaques on the head and neck.
How is it Diagnosed?
All types of basal cell cancer are diagnosed by clinical appearance, biopsy, and cell microstructure studies.
How is it Treated?
Treatment depends on the size, location, and depth of the lesion as well as the individual’s age and health. Therapy may involve one or more of the following:
- curettage and electrodesiccation, if the cancer is small
- chemotherapy, if the cancer is superficial
- microscopically controlled surgery to carefully remove layers of skin until a tumor-free layer is reached
- radiation therapy, for less accessible tumors or if the individual is older or physically unable to endure surgery
- cryotherapy, which freezes and kills cancerous cells
- chemosurgery, if lesions are persistent or recurrent.
What can a person with Basal Cell Cancer do?
If you have basal cell cancer, here are some steps you can take to ease its symptoms and help prevent a recurrence:
- If the cancer has invaded the mouth and caused eating problems, substitute egg nog, pureed foods, or liquid protein supplements for solid foods to keep up your nutrition.
- To relieve local inflammation from chemotherapy, use cool compresses or a steroid ointment prescribed by your doctor.
- If you have facial lesions, wash your face gently when ulcers and crusting occur because scrubbing too vigorously may cause bleeding.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure to prevent recurring episodes.