Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is a variant of skin cancer It begins in the basal cells of the skin, which normally produce new skin cells while the old ones die and slough off.
Basal cell carcinoma is often bulging in shape, but it can also take other forms Cancer develops in areas that are exposed to the sun a lot, such as the face and neck
The majority of basal cell carcinomas are caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Avoiding the sun and using a protective cream protects a person from this disease
Basal cell carcinoma develops when a cell undergoes a mutation in its DNA molecule Basal cells are located in the inner layer of the epidermis The epidermis is the outermost covering of the skin Basal cells produce new skin cells When a new cell is formed, it pushes on the old one, causing the old cells to die and slough off
The synthesis of new cells is controlled by the DNA of the basal cells The mutation causes their rapid growth and reproduction Cells accumulate and form a tumor
Ultraviolet radiation and other causes - Damage of the DNA molecule in basal cells occurs due to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, both naturally in the sun and in solariums. This mechanism cannot explain why cancer sometimes develops in areas covered by the sun Other possible factors for the development of cancer are toxic substances or another disease that weakens your immune system
Basal cell carcinoma occurs mostly in sun-exposed areas such as the head and neck Involvement of the trunk and legs is less common It is possible for basal carcinoma to develop even in those parts of the body where the influence of the sun is minimal
A common sign of skin cancer is an ulcer that does not remain or is characterized by frequent bleeding and pus Basal cell carcinoma can present in a variety of ways:
- Bright white or candle-colored bumps, often vascular, on the face, ears, or neck Bleeding and crusting may occur In dark-skinned people, the cancer may be brown or black
- A flat, scaly, brown or flesh-colored patch on the back or chest Over time, these spots increase in size
- Rarely, a white or candle-colored scar Such cancer is rare and can be missed, but it indicates a severe invasive form of cancer
When to See Your Doctor Make an appointment with your doctor if you have symptoms or signs that worry you
