Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma
The most common form of skin cancer
Slow growing
Locally invasive
Risk factors
- Prevalent in elderly males.
- Previous BCC or other form of skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma)
- Sun damage
- Repeated episodes of sunburn
- Fair skin, blue eyes and blond or red hair
- Previous cutaneous injury, eg thermal burn,
- Immunosupression
- Ionising radiation
Types
Superficial BCC
Nodular BCC
Basosquamous BCC
Morphoeic BCC
Clinical features
Slowly growing plaque or nodule which may ulcerate and bleed
Varies in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter
Diagnosis
Clinical diagnosis
Biopsy
Management
Depends on its type, size, and location, the number to be treated
Most BCCs are treated surgically.
Excision biopsy
Normally done with 3-5 mm clear margin
Most appropriate treatment for nodular, infiltrative BCC
Very large lesions may require flap or skin graft
Curettage, and electrocautery.
Cryotherapy
Photodynamic therapy
Imiquimod is an immune response modifier.
5-Fluorouracil cream is a topical cytotoxic agent.
Prevention
Stay indoors in the middle of the day
Wear covering clothing/ Broad brim hats
Apply high protection factor SPF50+ broad-spectrum sunscreens
Avoid tanning
