Basal Cell Carcinoma

When we think of skin cancer we may not always realize that there are 3 different types of skin cancer. What most people think of as skin cancer is in fact malignant melanoma where the moles on your skin changes.

Introduction to Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma or also called a rodent ulcer, is probably one of the most frequent types of all types of skin cancer. It appears in the basal cell layer strangely enough and it is the inner most layer of the outer skin (the epidermis if you care to know). Basal cell carcinoma skin cancer is a slow growing form of cancer and it looks like a raised edged swelling with a dimple in the center and you can often see small blood vessels under the skin.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common of all the types of skin cancer. Seventy five percent of all skin cancer sufferers have basal cell carcinoma. At one time this was a disease mainly of older men.

Normally, this type of skin cancer appears in the areas most exposed to sun light, like the nose and around the eyes. It hardly ever spreads around the body although if it is ignored it is possible. The main consequence of a neglected “bcc” or rodent ulcer is that it can cause a lot of tissue damage as it burrows deep into the tissues, hence why it has been called rodent ulcer.

Who are affected with Basal Cell Carcinoma?

As stated, Basal cell cancer is the most common type of skin cancer to affect people. Like all skin cancers it mainly affects people with pale or fair Caucasian skin. It is also likely or probable that new patients who develop this form of skin cancer have a family history of rodent ulcer or BCC.

It has been found that sunlight is a huge factor in about two thirds of these types of cancer; however the remaining third usually occurs in non sun-exposed areas. This is why dermatologists are so insistent about people wearing sun screens and getting annual skin cancer exams to prevent or provide early detection of this common tumor. (Especially in those countries which are very hot).

Particularly, those who had been in careers that meant they worked out of doors like construction workers. Although studies are showing changes in this trend in recent years, with more woman developing basal cell carcinoma, and the age of discovery of this disease lowering somewhat, more old men are still affected. Sometimes it develops in odd places that are not believed to be sun related. These places may include vaccination sites or burn sites, scarred areas, and tattoos.

Even during winter it is important if you live in a snowy area as snow doubles your exposure to UV rays.

Primary Cause of Basal Cell Carcinoma

The main cause of this disease is believed to be over exposure to the sun’s ultra violet rays. It is generally found on the face, scalp, and upper torso. Those most at risk for this skin cancer are people with fair skin, who have blond or red hair and blue, grey or green eyes.

Also, people whose jobs require them to be out side and so exposed to the suns ultra violets rays for long periods of time like construction workers, exterior house painters, oilrig workers or linesmen. Or people who insist, despite the constant warnings, on sunbathing without protection. Too many still feel it couldn’t happen to them so why not work on their tan.

Other Causes of Basal Cell Carcinoma

What is it that a person could find that should send them to their health care provider? If you notice a sore that remains open, or reopens and does not heal after three to four weeks, go see your health care provider. If you become aware of a reddish area that looks wrong, maybe even appears crusty and alternates between itchy and painful. Get it checked out. These spots are frequently found on the chest, limbs or shoulders.

The third type appears like a shiny swelling and is almost transparent in appearance. It can be almost any color, tan, brown pink red or brown. This type is more common in dark haired people and looks so much like a mole that it s often mistaken for one.

he next type to watch for is pink in color with a raised edge and is lower in the center of it. All of these should send you to your dermatologist or other health care provider. But this last one is the biggest problem. It often looks like nothing more than a scar. It is white or yellow in color. The skin appears shiny and stretched tightly. This one is often a sign of a tumor that is going to be trouble. If you notice one like his immediately see a physician.