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A hidden threat in the sun: How does basal cell carcinoma grow quietly?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer and often appears as a painless, raised area of skin that may have a shiny appearance and have small blood vessels running through it. Although this cancer grows slowly and can damage surrounding tissue, it is unlikely to spread to distant sites or cause death.
Major risk factors for basal cell carcinoma include ultraviolet light exposure, light skin, radiation therapy, long-term exposure to arsenic, and a poor immune system.
UV exposure during childhood is particularly harmful, and with the spread of tanning beds, the sources of UV rays are becoming increasingly diverse. Basal cell carcinoma is usually diagnosed through a skin examination and confirmed by a tissue biopsy.
A thorough understanding of basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma develops from basal cells, which are located in the lowest layer of the epidermis. This cancer develops primarily in sun-exposed areas and has a variety of symptoms.
A classic symptom is the discovery of smooth, pearly skin nodules, but superficial basal cell carcinomas may appear as red patches that resemble eczema.
Invasive or sclerosing forms of basal cell carcinoma may present as thickened or scarred skin, making diagnosis difficult without tactile sensation and a skin biopsy.
Ambiguous etiology and pathophysiology
Basal cell carcinoma occurs primarily due to exposure of the skin to sunlight. Excessive sun exposure can cause DNA damage, which can accumulate over time and lead to mutations.
Excessive sun exposure suppresses the local immune system, potentially reducing immune surveillance of new tumor cells.
In addition, basal cell carcinoma may also be accompanied by other skin lesions, such as actinic keratosis, seborrheic keratosis, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma usually requires a skin biopsy for histopathological analysis. The most commonly used method is shave biopsy under local anesthesia.
Standard surgical excision is considered the most effective treatment for basal cell carcinoma.
In most cases, treatment for basal cell carcinoma involves surgical excision, Mohs surgery, cryosurgery, and topical chemotherapy. For those who are not candidates for surgery, radiation therapy is an option.
Prevention methods
Because basal cell carcinoma occurs more often in people with light skin and is closely linked to sun exposure, doctors generally recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent the development of this cancer.
However, some studies have pointed out that there is still insufficient evidence to prove that sunscreen is effective in preventing basal cell carcinoma.
One review suggests that even if current evidence supports the use of sunscreen, future evidence may change this view.
Conclusion
Although basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and is not easy to spread, its impact cannot be underestimated. As awareness of skin health increases, taking preventive measures remains crucial. How can we protect ourselves from this insidious threat in our beautiful sunshine?
