Most common form of skin cancer; most frequently on sun-exposed skin, esp. face.
Predisposing Factors
Fair complexion, chronic UV exposure, exposure to inorganic arsenic (i.e., Fowler's solution or insecticides such as Paris green), or exposure to ionizing radiation.
Prevention
Avoidance of sun exposure and use of sunscreens lower risk.
Types
Five general types: noduloulcerative (most common), superficial (mimics eczema), pigmented (may be mistaken for melanoma), morpheaform (plaquelike lesion with telangiectasia-with keratotic is most aggressive), keratotic (basosquamous carcinoma).
Clinical Appearance
Classically a pearly, translucent, smooth papule with rolled edges and surface telangiectasia.
| TREATMENT | ||
Basal Cell CarcinomaLocal removal with electrodesiccation and curettage, excision, cryosurgery, or radiation therapy; metastases are rare but may spread locally. Exceedingly unusual for BCC to cause death. Locally advanced or metastatic disease may respond to vismodegib, an inhibitor of the hedgehog pathway often activated in this disease. |
Section 6. Hematology and Oncology