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Basal cell cancer    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Rodent ulcer; Skin cancer - basal cell; Cancer - skin - basal cell

Definition:

Basal cell cancer is a malignant skin tumor involving cancerous changes of basal skin cells.

Causes and Risks

A new skin growth that ulcerates, bleeds easily, or does not heal well could indicate development of basal cell skin cancer. Skin cancer has a high cure rate if treated early, but neglect can allow the cancer to spread, causing disability or death.

Basal cell skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It accounts for about 75% of all skin cancers. The incidence of skin cancer has increased greatly. In 1990, 600,000 Americans were diagnosed with either basal cell cancer or squamous cell cancer, up from 400,000 in 1980.

Over 90% of basal cell skin cancers occur on areas of skin that are regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. They may also occur on the scalp. The onset most commonly occurs after age 40. This is considered the primary cause of most skin cancers.

Other risks include a genetic predisposition (basal cell skin cancers are more common in those who have light colored skin, blue or green eyes, blond or red hair) and over-exposure to X-rays or other forms of radiation.

Basal cells are normal skin cells. They may develop cancerous changes, causing a patch or lump that is painless. The lump may grow slowly, ulcerate, and never heal completely.

It usually remains local and almost never spreads to other parts of the body, but it may continue to grow and invade nearby tissues and structures, including the nerves, bones, and brain. The tumor may begin very small, growing to 1 or 2 centimeters in diameter after several years of growth.

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