Skin cancer awareness ---> skin cancer videos---> basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of all cancers. Learn more about BCC.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Basal Cell Carcinoma: BCC
Skin cancer ---> Non melanoma skin cancer ---> Basal cell carcinoma
BCC is the most common form of skin cancer. These epithelial- derived tumors can be divided into various subtypes according to clinical appearance, histologic pattern, and biologic behavior. Although BCCs rarely metastasize, they are characterized by slow but relentless and destructive local invasion that results in high morbidity without treatment. The subclinical local invasion may be deep, extensive, and asymmetric, with finger like extensions several centimeters beyond the clinical borders.
The most common subtype of BCC is the well-circumscribed nodular variety. These tumors often present as pearly papules or nodules with telangiectases. They may be pruritic and bleed occasionally. With time, the center ulcerates to create peripheral rolled borders; such ulcerating BCCs are called rodent ulcers. Occasionally, the lesions are deeply pigmented and nodular and can be confused with melanoma. This variant has been called a pigmented BCC. The histologic features of these tumors demonstrate isolated areas of basaloid tumor islands arising from the epidermis with peripheral palisading of nuclei and stromal retraction. In some cases, the BCC has histologic features of squamous metaplasia with keratinization. These tumors have basosquamous differentiation and can become more aggressive and develop regional lymphatic spread.
The most locally aggressive type of BCC is characterized by a diagnostic histopathologic aggressive growth pattern, known as morpheaform, sclerosing, or fibrosing BCC. Clinically, these tumors may be more subclinical, are flat, and appear to be scar like. They have a significant incidence of recurrence because of the isolated, finger like fronds of basal cell tumor cells that may deeply invade the surrounding structures well beyond the clinical margins of the lesion. These small, finger like islands are often missed with standard histologic margin control.
Clinically, superficial BCCs are scaly pink to red lesions. Frequently, they are confused with psoriasis or other eczematous, scaly dermatoses. Although these tumors are usually relatively superficial, extensive superficial subclinical involvement is common. Numerous risk factors are associated with possible extensive subclinical invasion and increased rates of local recurrence for BCC after standard treatment, including surgical excision
BCC is the most common form of skin cancer. These epithelial- derived tumors can be divided into various subtypes according to clinical appearance, histologic pattern, and biologic behavior. Although BCCs rarely metastasize, they are characterized by slow but relentless and destructive local invasion that results in high morbidity without treatment. The subclinical local invasion may be deep, extensive, and asymmetric, with finger like extensions several centimeters beyond the clinical borders.
The most common subtype of BCC is the well-circumscribed nodular variety. These tumors often present as pearly papules or nodules with telangiectases. They may be pruritic and bleed occasionally. With time, the center ulcerates to create peripheral rolled borders; such ulcerating BCCs are called rodent ulcers. Occasionally, the lesions are deeply pigmented and nodular and can be confused with melanoma. This variant has been called a pigmented BCC. The histologic features of these tumors demonstrate isolated areas of basaloid tumor islands arising from the epidermis with peripheral palisading of nuclei and stromal retraction. In some cases, the BCC has histologic features of squamous metaplasia with keratinization. These tumors have basosquamous differentiation and can become more aggressive and develop regional lymphatic spread.
The most locally aggressive type of BCC is characterized by a diagnostic histopathologic aggressive growth pattern, known as morpheaform, sclerosing, or fibrosing BCC. Clinically, these tumors may be more subclinical, are flat, and appear to be scar like. They have a significant incidence of recurrence because of the isolated, finger like fronds of basal cell tumor cells that may deeply invade the surrounding structures well beyond the clinical margins of the lesion. These small, finger like islands are often missed with standard histologic margin control.
Clinically, superficial BCCs are scaly pink to red lesions. Frequently, they are confused with psoriasis or other eczematous, scaly dermatoses. Although these tumors are usually relatively superficial, extensive superficial subclinical involvement is common. Numerous risk factors are associated with possible extensive subclinical invasion and increased rates of local recurrence for BCC after standard treatment, including surgical excision
Causes of BCC and SCC
Non melanoma skin cancer ---> Causes of Non melanoma skin cancer
Both BCC and SCC are most commonly induced by significant exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning booths. These cancers are the predominant neoplasms on the head, neck, trunk, lower legs, and extensor arms and hands where sun exposure is common. Skin cancer is a significant occupational hazard for people who work outdoors. The phenotype at increased risk is one with fair skin who sunburns and freckles easily, blue eyes, and red or blonde hair. Melanin pigment in the skin appears to be the protective factor.
A number of genetic syndromes are associated with an increased risk of developing NMSC, including Gorlin syndrome, xeroderma pigmentosa, and albinism. Gorlin syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder associated with multiple BCCs, palmoplantar pits, jaw cysts, frontal bossing, and hypertelorism. Albinism is a disorder characterized by a partial or complete deficiency in melanin production and, thus, loss of protective pigment. Another factor associated with NMSC, primarily SCC, is chronic exposure to chemicals such as arsenic and hydrocarbons (found in coal tars, soot, and asphalt). Cigarette smoking has been associated with SCC of the lip and mouth. Human papillomavirus has been associated with cutaneous SCC in the genital and acral/periungual areas. Radiation has been associated with both SCC and BCC.
Both BCC and SCC are most commonly induced by significant exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning booths. These cancers are the predominant neoplasms on the head, neck, trunk, lower legs, and extensor arms and hands where sun exposure is common. Skin cancer is a significant occupational hazard for people who work outdoors. The phenotype at increased risk is one with fair skin who sunburns and freckles easily, blue eyes, and red or blonde hair. Melanin pigment in the skin appears to be the protective factor.
A number of genetic syndromes are associated with an increased risk of developing NMSC, including Gorlin syndrome, xeroderma pigmentosa, and albinism. Gorlin syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder associated with multiple BCCs, palmoplantar pits, jaw cysts, frontal bossing, and hypertelorism. Albinism is a disorder characterized by a partial or complete deficiency in melanin production and, thus, loss of protective pigment. Another factor associated with NMSC, primarily SCC, is chronic exposure to chemicals such as arsenic and hydrocarbons (found in coal tars, soot, and asphalt). Cigarette smoking has been associated with SCC of the lip and mouth. Human papillomavirus has been associated with cutaneous SCC in the genital and acral/periungual areas. Radiation has been associated with both SCC and BCC.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Basal Cell Carcnoma Higher Risk Factors
Non melanoma skin cancer ---> Basal cell carcinoma ---> metastatic risk
These include the following factors:
Recurrent tumor
Anatomic location
High risk: central face, eyelid, eyebrow, periorbital, nose, lip, chin, mandible, temple, ear, in front or behind the ear, genitalia, hand and foot
Medium risk: cheeks, forehead, scalp, and neck
Low risk: trunk, extremity (excluding hand/foot)
Size
Lesions +6 mm on high-risk area
Lesions +10 mm on medium-risk area
Lesions +20 mm on low-risk area
Histologic subtype pattern
Aggressive growth (morpheaform, fibrosing, sclerosing, infiltrating)
Micronodular
Ill-defined clinical borders
Perineural invasion
Development in sites of prior radiation
Immunosuppression
These include the following factors:
Recurrent tumor
Anatomic location
High risk: central face, eyelid, eyebrow, periorbital, nose, lip, chin, mandible, temple, ear, in front or behind the ear, genitalia, hand and foot
Medium risk: cheeks, forehead, scalp, and neck
Low risk: trunk, extremity (excluding hand/foot)
Size
Lesions +6 mm on high-risk area
Lesions +10 mm on medium-risk area
Lesions +20 mm on low-risk area
Histologic subtype pattern
Aggressive growth (morpheaform, fibrosing, sclerosing, infiltrating)
Micronodular
Ill-defined clinical borders
Perineural invasion
Development in sites of prior radiation
Immunosuppression
Monday, December 3, 2007
How to Identify Skin Cancer Signs : Signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer
Skin cancer awareness ---> skin cancer videos ---> Basal Cell Carcinoma ---> skin cancer detection ---> Signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma
Learn how to identify the signs of basal cell carcinoma skin cancer with expert tips from a doctor on skin health.
Learn how to identify the signs of basal cell carcinoma skin cancer with expert tips from a doctor on skin health.
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