Basal cell carcinoma

:: Definition :: Images :: Causes :: Symptoms :: Treatment :: Further Reading

Search results last updated: 5/6/2009

basal cell carcinoma - Definition: (Source: MedicineNet)

Basal cell carcinoma : The most common type of skin cancer, a disease in which the cancer cells resemble the basal cells of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. ...
[ read more.. ]

basal cell carcinoma - Images (Source: MedLinePlus)

Basal cell nevus syndrome - close-up of palm

Skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma - nose

Skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma - pigmented

Skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma - behind ear

Skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma - spreading

Basal cell nevus syndrome - plantar pits

Causes of basal cell carcinoma (Source: MedLinePlus)

Skin cancer is divided into two major groups: non-melanoma and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer, and is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, 75% of all skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas. Basal cell carcinoma starts in the top layer of the skin called the epidermis. It grows slowly and is painless. A new skin growth that bleeds easily or does not heal well may suggest basal cell carcinoma. The majority of these cancers occur on areas of skin that are regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. They may also appear on the scalp. Basal cell skin cancer used to be more common in people over age 40, but is now often diagnosed in younger people. Your risk for basal cell skin cancer is higher if you have: Light-colored skin; Blue or green eyes; Blond or red hair; Over-exposure to x-rays or other forms of radiation. Basal cell skin cancer almost never spreads. But, if left untreated, it may grow into surrounding areas and nearby tissues and bone. ... [ read more.. ]

Symptoms of basal cell carcinoma (Source: MedLinePlus)

Basal cell carcinoma may look only slightly different than normal skin. The cancer may appear as skin bump or growth that is: Pearly or waxy; White or light pink; Flesh-colored or brown. In some cases the skin may be just slightly raised or even flat. You may have: A skin sore that bleeds easily; A sore that does not heal; Oozing or crusting spots in a sore; Appearance of a scar-like sore without having injured the area; Irregular blood vessels in or around the spot; A sore with a depressed (sunken) area in the middle. ... [ read more.. ]

basal cell carcinoma - Conventional Treatments (Source: MedLinePlus)

Treatment varies depending on the size, depth, and location of the basal cell cancer. It will be removed using one of the following procedures: Excision cuts the tumor out and uses stitches to place the skin back together. Curettage and electrodesiccation scrapes away the cancer and uses electricity to kill any remaining cancer cells. Surgery, including Mohs surgery, in which skin is cut out and immediately looked at under a microscope to check for cancer. The process is repeated until the skin sample is free of cancer. Cryosurgery freezes and kills the cancer cells. Radiation may be used if the cancer has spread to organs or lymph nodes or for tumors that can't be treated with surgery. Skin creams with the medications imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil may be used to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma. ... [ read more.. ]

Further Reading on basal cell carcinoma

Dermabrasion ( WebMD ) Dermabrasion is a technique that uses a wire brush or a diamond wheel with rough edges ( called a ...to treat small cysts, epidermal nevi, some basal cell skin cancers , or Bowen's disease. Tattoos... Skin Cancer , Non Melanoma Guide - Topic Overview ( WebMD ) Is this topic for you? This topic is about nonmelanoma skin cancer , including basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer . For...topic is about nonmelanoma skin cancer , including basal cell cancer ... Salivary Gland Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) - Cellular Classification ( WebMD ) Salivary gland neoplasms are remarkable for their histologic diversity . These neoplasms include benign and malignant tumors of ...Pleomorphic adenoma (i.e., mixed tumor) (see carcinoma ex... Pruritus (PDQ®) - Etiology/Pathophysiology ( WebMD ) Hematologic disorders that cause pruritus include polycythemia vera . Some conditions that cause iron deficiency , including ...generalized pruritus. Adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas of... Scalp Problems - Topic Overview ( WebMD ) Many people have hair or scalp problems . Hair may thin or fall out , break off , or grow slowly ...of skin cancer are basal cell skin cancer , squamous cell skin cancer , and melanoma. Treatment The... Carcinoma, basal cell ( MedicineNet ) Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome ( MedicineNet )

	basal cell carcinoma: Health Search Results from the Invisible Web

basal cell carcinoma: Health Search Results from the Invisible Web