Basal cancer cells can appear in any part of the body, but most commonly they occur on areas of the skin that receive sun exposure. This type of skin cancer may also develop on parts of the body that are protected from the sun, like the face and genitals. It often manifests itself as a white or pink bump or lesion, but it may also be a black or blue color, or even a reddish or waxy scar. The risk factors for basal cancer include fair skin, exposure to sunlight, use of metals, radiation therapy, and a family history of the disease.
While basal cell carcinomas usually develop on sun-exposed skin, they do not spread quickly. Untreated, they may spread to nearby tissues, including bone and tissue under the skin. Although basal cell cancers are usually harmless, they can cause significant disfigurement if left untreated. In order to be treated effectively, you need to visit a doctor as soon as you notice an unusual growth. Once the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it is more likely to recur, so it is imperative to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Treatment for basal cell carcinoma depends on its stage. Small basal cell cancers can be surgically removed, leaving cosmetically acceptable scars. Larger ones may require skin grafts or flaps. Surgery may be necessary if the cancer is in an unintentional area. Surgical excision or removal of the tumor is recommended when it is too large for cosmetic reasons. While basal cancer usually occurs on sun-exposed areas, it can also occur in areas that are not exposed to the sun.
Exposure to ultraviolet light, chronic arsenic exposure, and genetic syndromes increase the risk of basal cell carcinoma. People with fair skin, red or blond hair, and blue, green, or gray eyes are at highest risk for basal cell carcinoma. Older adults are most affected by basal cancer. But the number of cases has steadily decreased in recent decades. But the risk is still too great for you to ignore it.
Basal cell carcinomas may be surgically excised in the doctor’s office under local anesthesia. If the cancer is superficial, treatment may involve topical creams. These creams contain imiquimod, a drug that stimulates the immune system to fight the cancer. Other chemotherapy agents are used to treat basal cell carcinomas and can be applied to the skin. These creams can be applied to the affected area for several weeks.
The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. It develops when normal basal cells have a mutation that causes them to divide quickly and continue to grow uncontrollably. It is one of the most common types of skin cancer in the U.S. and the number of cases continues to rise. However, this cancer is curable if detected early. If caught early, basal cell carcinoma is usually curable and requires only minimal treatment.
