Understanding BCC causes, risk factors and warning signs can help you detect them early, when they are easiest to treat and cure. One of three main types of cells in the top layer of the skin, basal cells shed as new ones form.
BCC most often occurs when DNA damage from exposure to ultraviolet UV radiation from the sun or indoor tanning triggers changes in basal cells in the outermost layer of skin epidermis , resulting in uncontrolled growth. At times, BCCs may ooze, crust, itch or bleed. The lesions commonly arise in sun-exposed areas of the body. In patients with darker skin, about half of BCCs are pigmented meaning brown in color.
Please note: Since not all BCCs have the same appearance, these photos serve as a general reference to what they can look like. If you see something new, changing or unusual on your skin, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.
An open sore that does not heal. A shiny bump or nodule. A reddish patch or irritated area. Since dealing with a basal cell carcinoma is a relatively easy procedure, that leaves a minimal of scaring, it is recommended that it be dealt with immediately upon diagnosis.
Adam Mamelak is a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and treats patients with basal cell carcinoma and other forms of skin cancer at Sanova Dermatology and the Austin Mohs Surgery Center. For more information about skin cancer and treatment options, please contact us. To schedule your appointment, please select an available appointment time below.
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Previous Post Next Post. Use My Current Location - or -. If there is a silver lining associated with being diagnosed with BCC, it would be that it is one of only a few cancers that seldom metastasizes to other organs in the body and is rarely fatal.
However, complications can occur if individuals do not seek prompt medical treatment. According to most dermatologists and oncologists with top-tier medical practices, such as skin cancer reconstructive surgery and facial reconstruction surgery, untreated BCC can give way to large tumors. The cancerous tissue can become deeply embedded under the skin and can cause damage to bones, all of which can result in disfigurement.
When it comes to BCC symptoms, they can vary significantly from one person to the next, according to physicians and other practitioners. For example, skin anomalies tend to appear darker in dark-skinned individuals compared to those who are fair-skinned. Additionally, some people with BCC will experience oozing, bleeding, or crusting of the skin while others will not.
That said, it is best to avoid self-diagnosis and seek medical treatment if you notice any changes in the appearance of your skin. This is true even if they are small changes. In summary, BCC is treatable and curable.
However, putting off treatment can quickly make a bad problem even worse. You should make and attend all of your follow up appointments. You may be able to prevent skin cancer by limiting the amount of time that you are exposed to the sun. Anyone that is exposed to the sun should wear a sunblock that blocks both UV A and B sunrays. A sunscreen is a different product.
Sunscreens allow you to spend a longer amount of time in the sun without burning than you could if you were not wearing sunscreen. An SPF of 15 provides protection from burning for minutes. Sunscreens may reduce your risk of getting skin cancer, but it is not a guarantee. If you are in the sun for a long time, even with sunscreen, you are at risk for developing skin cancer. Sunscreen may reduce your risk of developing some skin cancer and precancerous conditions, but researchers have not proven that sunscreen prevents basal cell carcinoma.
It is important to discard old sunblock and sunscreen. Their effectiveness is reduced over time. You should apply sunblock and sunscreen even in the winter.
Remember to apply it to all of your skin that is exposed including your hands, ears, lips, lower legs, the backs of your knees, and the tops of your feet. A good way to remember this is that if your shadow is shorter than you are tall, it is not a good time to be out in the sun. You can still be outside, but seek shade. If you must spend time in the sun, it is smart to wear hats with wide brims and tightly woven fabrics that are especially made to block the sun.
Some clothing is rated for its SPF factor. Your doctor is happy to refer you to such clothing suppliers. Wear sunglasses that block UV A and B sunrays. Wrap-around styled sunglasses protect your eyes and your eye area. Sun-related cancers can occur inside of the eye.
Wear sunglasses and make sure that your eye doctor checks for cancer at each of your eye exams. You should avoid sun tanning outside and sun tanning lamps or booths. Tanning beds and lamps give off harmful UV rays and can cause sunburns. An alternative is to use self-tanning products or spray on coloring products. Teach your children about protecting their skin in the sun.
This is important because many skin cancers result from sunburns that occur before age Make sure that your children learn to apply and reapply sunblock and sunscreen when they are playing outdoors. You should stop smoking and avoid cancer causing chemicals.
Wear protective masks and gear as instructed. Am I at Risk. Untreated basal cell carcinoma can become large and disfiguring if they are at places of concern, such as the face, nose, and ears.
Radiation or chemotherapy treatments may be necessary if your cancer has spread to other sites. Untreated basal cell carcinoma can spread, in rare instances, to the muscles, nerves, bones, and brain.
In rare cases, it can result in death. People with one basal cell carcinoma are at risk for recurrence and the development of future skin cancers. Researchers have advanced the formulas in sunscreen and sunblock to offer better protection. Many cosmetics offer sun protection.
New products are being developed since the damaging effects of UVA rays have been discovered fairly recently. Further, researchers are investigating alternatives to lotions, such as pills that offer protection from the sun. Scientists have learned the mechanisms by which UV light harms DNA and causes normal cells to become cancerous. They hope to use this knowledge to find ways to treat skin cancer.
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