- Main symptoms
- Possible causes
- Types of basal cell carcinoma
- How the treatment is done
- What to do to prevent
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 95% of all skin cancer cases. This type of cancer usually appears as small patches that grow slowly over time, but that do not affect other organs besides the skin.
Thus, basal cell carcinoma has excellent chances of cure because, in most cases, it is possible to remove all cancer cells only with surgery, since it is diagnosed in the early stages of development.
This type of cancer is more common after the age of 40, especially in people with fair skin, blond hair and light eyes, who are excessively exposed to the sun. However, basal cell carcinoma can appear at any age and, therefore, it is important to know how to identify the first signs of skin cancer, to be aware of any changes.
Main symptoms
This type of cancer develops mainly in parts of the body most exposed to sunlight, such as the face or neck, showing signs such as:
- Small wound that does not heal or bleeds repeatedly; Small rise in whitish skin, where it may be possible to observe blood vessels; Small brown or red spot that increases over time;
These signs must be observed by a dermatologist and, if cancer is suspected, it may be necessary to perform a biopsy to remove some tissue from the lesion and assess whether there are malignant cells.
If the stain on the skin has characteristics such as very irregular edges, asymmetry or a size that grows very fast over time, it can also indicate a case of melanoma, for example, which is the most serious type of skin cancer. See everything you need to know to identify a melanoma.
Possible causes
Basal cell carcinoma occurs when the cells on the outside of the skin undergo a genetic change and reproduce in a disorderly manner leading to the appearance of lesions on the body, especially on the face.
This growth of abnormal cells are caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays that are emitted by sunlight or tanning lamps. However, people who have not been exposed to the sun may have basal cell carcinoma and, in these cases, there is no well-defined cause.
Types of basal cell carcinoma
There are several types of basal cell carcinoma, which can include:
- Nodular basal cell carcinoma: the most common type, affects mainly the skin of the face and usually appears as a sore in the center of a red spot; Superficial basal cell carcinoma: mainly affects regions of the body such as the back and trunk, which can be confused with an erythema on the skin, or redness; Infiltrative basal cell carcinoma: it is the most aggressive carcinoma, reaching other parts of the body; Pigmented carcinoma: it is characterized by having darker patches, being more difficult to differentiate from melanoma.
The types of basal cell carcinoma are differentiated according to their characteristics and, therefore, can be difficult to identify. Thus, whenever skin cancer is suspected, due to the presence of a doubtful spot on the skin, for example, one should always consult a dermatologist.
How the treatment is done
The treatment is done, in most cases, through laser surgery or with application of cold, at the site of the lesion, to eliminate and remove all malignant cells, preventing them from continuing to develop.
After that, it is important to make several revision consultations, to make new exams and evaluate if the cancer continues to grow or if it has been completely cured. If you have been cured, you only need to go back to the doctor once a year, to ensure that no further signs have appeared.
However, when surgery is not enough to treat cancer and the carcinoma continues to grow, it may be necessary to do some sessions of radiotherapy or chemotherapy to be able to delay the evolution and eliminate the malignant cells that continue to multiply.
Learn about the other techniques that can be used to treat skin cancer.
What to do to prevent
To prevent basal cell carcinoma from developing, it is recommended to use sunscreen with a protection factor greater than 30, as well as avoid sun exposure at times when ultraviolet rays are very intense, wear hats and clothes with UV protection, apply lip balm with sunscreen and do not tan.
In addition, care must be taken with children and babies, such as applying age-appropriate sunscreen, as they are more susceptible to the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. See other ways to protect yourself from solar radiation.
