Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is a
common form of cancer that develops on the surface of the skin. Most of the times, it is characterized by a
crusted papule. Basal cell carcinoma is one of the
most common cancers among people with fair skin, affecting about 3 out of 10 Caucasians
around 50 years of age. Its
development is correlated with exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation.
The skin is subject to
three types of cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and basal cell
carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma, which develops from cells of the epidermis, is the most common form of skin
cancer, with 800.000 new cases every year in the United States alone. While other parts of the body may affect
by the tumor, basal cell carcinoma occurs mainly on sun-exposed skin areas, mainly the head and
neck.
Unlike many types of
cancer, most basal cell carcinomas are effectively treated by surgery with a low risk of recurrence when
detected early. However, if left untreated, the tumor can develop rapidly and lead to destructive expansion,
particularly in the face. Basal cell carcinomas barely lead to the development of metastases.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Causes
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