Effects of Basal Skin Cancer on Individuals

2 days ago
2 min read

Jackie Clemente

Abstract

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) forms in the skin’s basal cells, causing skin cancer. The outside layer of skin, called the epidermis, is where basal cells live. Basal cell carcinoma slowly grows over time. It appears as a small bump on your skin. Sometimes, it can appear shiny and as a scaly flat patch (1).

Types

The four main types of BCC are nodular, superficial spreading, sclerosing, and pigmented. Nodular BCC is the most common type, appearing as blood vessels surrounding a pimple. Superficial spreading BCC can cause small, shallow lesions that have a lighter color than the skin. These appear on arms, the torso, and legs. Sclerosing BCC is scars that expand over time. It most commonly appears on the face and can appear as a small red dot. Pigmented BCC causes hyperpigmentation, making a specific area of skin darker than normal (1).

Who is Affected

While BCC can affect anyone, people who are over the age of 50 are most at risk. BCC also commonly occurs in those who have light eyes and skin. Those who are affected by BCC are at high risk of developing an additional skin cancer. Out of all types of cancer, BCC is the most common. It is also the most common kind of skin cancer. Every year in the United States, the number of new cases of BCC exceeds 4 million (1).

Symptoms

There are many symptoms of BCC. These include pimples, lesions, bumps, scabs, and lumps appearing on the skin. Additionally, the lump may become shinier with small visible blood vessels, translucent, painful or itchy, expand slowly, or the lump may form an ulcer. These symptoms can appear on the nose, face, scalp, ears, eyelids, arms, and legs (1).

Tests

The two main tests used to confirm BCC are a skin biopsy and imaging tests. During a skin biopsy, a piece of the lesion or affected skin is removed to be examined under telescopic viewing. During imaging tests, although it is rare for BCC to spread throughout the body, an MRI or CT scan may be performed. This identifies cancer in the internal organs or lymph nodes (1).

References

[1] Cleveland Clinic. (2022, August 31). Basal Cell Carcinoma: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic website: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4581-basal-cell-carcinoma