Basal Cell Carcinoma Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal Cell Carcinoma, also known as BCC, is a type of skin cancer that often affects people with lighter complexions. It is the most common form of skin cancer and it develops from cells in the basal layer of the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin). BCC is slow growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body; however, if left untreated, it can cause significant damage to surrounding tissue.The most common symptom associated with BCC is a small, shiny bump or nodule on the skin which can vary in size and color. The bump may be pearly or waxy looking and may ulcerate (develop an open sore) over time. Other signs include persistent red patches with raised borders or scar-like areas on the face, neck, back and chest.Risk factors for developing BCC include excessive sun exposure (including indoor tanning beds), fair skin complexion, weakened immune system due to diseases such as HIV/AIDS or organ transplantation drugs that suppress immunity, prior radiation therapy treatments and family history of skin cancer. Treatment options for BCC depend on individual patient factors but usually involve surgical removal or topical medications such as creams containing fluorouracil (5FU) or imiquimod (Aldara). Radiation therapy and cryotherapy are also used but these treatments are not as commonly utilized because they can lead to long-term side effects such as discoloration of the affected area. The best way to prevent BCC is by practicing safe sun habits such as wearing protective clothing when outdoors or using sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30 whenever you’re exposed to direct sunlight for more than 15 minutes at a time. Regularly checking your body for signs of abnormal changes in moles or lesions can help detect any potential problems early on so that it can be treated accordingly before it becomes something more serious.