What Happens if Abnormal Cells Come Back
Basal Cell Carcinoma Advice
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Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with Basal and Squamous Cell skin cancer being the most common carcinoma types. There are roughly 5.4 million diagnoses of these two types every year. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is more common though and affects the cells in the skin that create new cells as soon as old ones die. BCC is often recognized by red patches, open sores or shiny bumps due to high and intense exposure to the sun.
BCC Lesions
BCC take the form of abnormal lesions or growths that come up from the basal cells which are the deepest layer of the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. They are often caused by a combination of high-intensity and long exposure to the sun, therefore, will appear in areas of the skin that are more exposed to the sun such as the neck, scalp, shoulders and back. Basal cell skin cancer on the face and nose is often quite common as these are areas that are often overexposed and get burnt. They do not spread (metastasize) though and can often be quickly diagnosed by your doctor after they have taken a sample tissue (biopsy) from the area.
Who It Affects
BCC can happen to anyone who has any type of history that contains long exposure to the sun. Those that are highest at risk though are those with fair skin, light or red hair and light-eyes. Workers who spend much of their time outside are also more susceptible to BCC along with children and adolescents who have experienced severe sunburn. This is something that can also be inherited, so make sure to check your personal history and see if this is something that runs in the family. Those that are on immune-suppressing drugs, have high exposure to arsenic, spend time in commercial tanning booths, have undergone radiation therapy and/or are over the age of 50 are at a much higher risk of BCC.
Look Out for the Warning Signs
It is important to know what to look for as the earlier you detect BCC, the easier it is to treat. Common warning signs may include open sores that are bleeding and remain open for a few weeks then later appear to heal only to bleed again. Reddish patches or areas that are irritated and itchy, commonly on the face, chest, shoulders and arms, should also be noted. These patches will often continue to grow larger if left untreated. Shiny bumps or nodules that appear pearly or clear with translucent borders should also be paid attention to. They can also be brown or black which make them much more difficult to identify as they can be confused with moles. The only guaranteed way to know if you have BCC is by going to a trained physician who can tell you definitively if it is eczema, psoriasis or BCC.
What Treatment Is Available
Basal skin cell carcinoma can be easily treated if detected and addressed in the early stages of development. The longer it is left untreated, the more difficult and invasive the treatment will need to be. In some extreme cases, BCC can lead to major disfigurement and may cause nerve or muscle injury. The early cases though can be treated usually as an outpatient surgery, directly from the office or clinic. There is a wide range of ways BCC can be treated such as through curettage and electrodissection for small lesions, Mohs micrographic surgery for large tumors with a high accuracy and radiation x-ray beams for hard to manage tumors or elderly patients, just to name a few. There are also various medications and creams, gels and solutions that are also commonly used for treatment.
Ways to Prevent BCC
As they say, prevention is better than cure. Get into the habit of taking care of your skin as early as possible. Teach your children the importance of putting on sunscreen throughout the year, even on cloudy days. If you can, avoid being out in the scorching sun during midday when it is at its hottest, and wear protective clothing if you do need to be out during that time of day. Protect your eyes by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses. Also, if you have children, keep newborns out of the sun completely and start applying sunscreen on them as soon as they are over 6 months old. The best way to stay on top of it though is by making sure to visit your doctor annually for a professional skin exam and by also personally paying close attention to your skin and examining yourself on a monthly basis.
What Happens if Abnormal Cells Come Back
Source: https://www.life123.com/article/basal-cell-carcinoma-advice?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D740009%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex