Basal Cell Skin Cancer

The most common form of cancer known is basal cell skin cancer with about a million new cases diagnosed in the United States annually. Basal cells line the deepest layer of the epidermis. Any form of abnormal growth in this layer is known as a basal cell carcinoma. This type of skin cancer does not usually spread to other parts of the body, and will only spread to the skin around the actual cancer.

Fairly easy to treat when detected early, basal cell carcinoma can diagnosed through a simple biopsy. However, between five to ten percent of basal cell carcinoma cases can resist non invasive forms of treatment. They can damage the skin, and sometimes invade bone and cartilage. Fortunately, however, basal cell carcinoma has a rate of metastasis that is extremely low, and although it can result in permanent disfigurement, rarely is it fatal.

People who are fair-skinned and are sensitive to sunburn, rarely developing a suntan is more likely to contract skin cancer than dark-skinned individuals.

The warning signs of the outset of basal cell carcinoma can be:

An open sore that oozes blood or pus, forms a crust or remains open for a few weeks is a very common sign of an early basal cell carcinoma.
A reddish color irritated patch showing on the legs, shoulders, chest or arms, or. The patch can develop a crust, or may become itchy or painful.
A shiny bump or nodule, pearly or translucent inn appearance and either pink, red or white in color in fair skinned people. In darker skinned people can be either tan, black or brown in color.
A growth may appear, slightly pink in color. The growth may enlarge slowly, and as it does, a blood vessel may appear on its surface.
An area like a scar may appear white or yellow colored and waxy in appearance the skin around the area appears taut and shiny.

If detected early and treated quickly, the vast majority of basal cell carcinomas are not serious and can be readily treated. On the other hand, if basal cell carcinomas are neglected until they have become thick, they can be difficult to treat.

Cancer

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