Basal Cell Carcinoma

(Rodent Ulcer)

Sum mary

Basal Cell carcinoma is the most common and least dangerous type of skin cancer.
Only very rarely does it spread to other parts of the body.
Surgery is the "gold standard" treatment. Although photodynamic therapy is playing an increasing role.

What Causes Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal Cell Carcinomas occur most commonly in people who do not tan well. The role that sunlight plays in causing Basal Cell Carcinomas is unclear because they often arise in areas of skin shaded from the sun and are no more common in outdoor workers.

What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

The skin's basal cells are growing in an uncontrolled fashion. In order to grow, the cells must be attached to skin collagen and so the disease very rarely spreads from the skin to other sites.

What Will Happen To Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Most Basal Cell Carcinomas occur on the face and neck. They will continue to grow indefinitely, forming either a weeping hole or lump. They must be treated before they invade bone or cartilage.

How Can Basal Cell Carcinoma Be Treated?

Surgery remains the gold standard treatment with a 97% cure rate.

Photodynamic therapy leaves a better cosmetic result but a 12% lower cure rate.

Radiotherapy, cryotherapy and Aldara cream have a more limited role.

How Can Basal Cell Carcinoma Be Prevented?

Wearing a sunscreen may help. Two ml of sunscreen with SPF 20 and *** to **** UVA protection should be applied to the face every morning. Sunscreens containing mexoryl are amongst the least white available. A hat protects the scalp and forehead only.