Symptoms

Basal cell carcinomas can have different appearances. They are often seen as nodular, bulging or flat, reddish or whitish patches on the skin. They may also ooze or bleed. In some cases, basal cell carcinomas develop from seemingly healthy areas of skin; in other cases, they develop from preexisting pigmented or age spots.

Localization

Basal cell carcinomas can occur anywhere on the body, but are particularly common on the face and hands. This is probably due to the fact that these areas are most frequently exposed to solar radiation.

Diagnosis: Basal cell carcinoma is diagnosed through a skin examination by a dermatologist. This involves a closer look at the skin area and, if necessary, a sample is taken to be examined in the laboratory for cancer cells.

Therapy

The therapy of a basal cell carcinoma depends on the type and size of the tumor as well as its location. In most cases, the tumor is surgically removed. Depending on the size and location of the basal cell carcinoma, it may be necessary to remove part of the skin or perform plastic reconstruction. In some cases, radiation therapy or treatment with special ointments and creams may also be used.

Course

Basaliomas grow very slowly and rarely form metastases (daughter tumors). As a rule, they are curable if detected and treated at an early stage. In rare cases, however, the tumor may recur (recurrence).

Prognosis: The prognosis for basal cell carcinomas is generally very good, as they usually grow slowly and rarely metastasize. With timely treatment, complete cure is possible in most cases.

Frequency

Basaliomas are the most common forms of skin cancer. In Germany, about 200,000 people develop basal cell carcinoma every year.

Risk factors

The development of basal cell carcinoma is favored by various factors, including UV radiation from the sun, hereditary predisposition and certain medications.

Prevention: To prevent basal cell carcinoma, it is important to protect the skin from too much sunlight, especially during midday. It is recommended to use sunscreen with a high SPF, and to wear sun hats and long clothing. People at increased risk for skin cancer should go for regular skin cancer screening and examine their skin themselves regularly for changes.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of basal cell carcinoma is not fully understood. It is believed that UV radiation from the sun plays an important role in the development of basal cell carcinoma. UV radiation causes damage to the DNA of skin cells, which can cause them to divide and proliferate uncontrollably. Hereditary factors and certain medications can also promote the development of basaliomas.

Classification

There are several forms of basal cell carcinoma, including nodular basal cell carcinoma, flat basal cell carcinoma, and sclerodermiform basal cell carcinoma. The different forms differ in their appearance and growth patterns.

Staging

Basal cell carcinomas are usually staged according to the TNM system, which takes into account the size of the tumor (T), the presence of metastases (M), and the presence of lymph node metastases (N). Depending on the classification and type of basal cell carcinoma, appropriate therapy is then initiated.

Similar diseases

Basal cell carcinoma can be confused with other forms of skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. However, these forms of skin cancer differ in their appearance, growth patterns, and prognosis.