Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant tumor in dermatology. In China, about 400 people per 100,000 people are affected. BCC grows slowly and rarely metastasizes, but sometimes it can also grow locally infiltratively, destroying tissues and organs, leading to organ dysfunction and possibly even life-threatening.
What causes basal cell carcinoma?
There are many risk factors for disease, among which ultraviolet exposure is the most important environmental factor. Light skin color, multiple sunburns, and increasing age are all potential risk factors for BCC. People with a family history of skin cancer, immunosuppression such as HIV infection or organ transplantation, ionizing radiation, and exposure to chemical carcinogens, especially arsenic, are also at increased risk of BCC. In addition, certain genetic diseases such as xeroderma pigmentosa and cutaneous albinism are also risk factors for BCC.
What should I do if I get sick?
Patients who are suspected of having BCC must go to a regular hospital for diagnosis, and once diagnosed, do not be afraid, follow the doctor's guidance, and carry out standardized treatment.
There are five main types of BCC: nodular type, superficial type, morphea type/infiltrative type, pigmented type, and fibroepithelioma type. In addition, nevus BCC syndrome and Bazex syndrome are included. Different types of BCC have different levels of risk, so it is best to have an excisional biopsy and histopathological examination, which is the gold standard for the diagnosis and classification of BCC.
How can basal cell carcinoma be prevented?
Teenagers should be careful to prevent excessive sun exposure, and the elderly should protect their skin from excessive sun exposure. Various chronic skin diseases should be actively treated, especially nasal tumors should be diagnosed and treated early, which can reduce surgical wounds, promote early healing, and prevent cancer. Once a suspicious skin lump is found in life, it needs to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.