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Why is basal cell carcinoma called the "rat ulcer"? Uncover the story behind this mysterious name!
Basal-cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer and is often called the "mouse ulcer." The origin of this name is closely related to its appearance and growth behavior. Many patients are not aware that they have a problem with their skin at first, because most of the cancer appears as painless raised skin, with a smooth appearance, sometimes accompanied by small blood vessels. Understanding this special name can provide a deeper understanding of the dangers of this condition and potential treatment options.
Basal cell cancer cannot spread to other parts of the body and grows slowly, but surrounding tissue may still be damaged.
Name and pathology
Basal cell carcinoma has been described as a "mouse ulcer" because in some cases its appearance resembles mouse ulcers or lesions. This disease often occurs in areas of the skin that have been exposed to high amounts of sunlight for a long time. According to statistics, this type of cancer accounts for approximately 32% of all cancers worldwide, and basal cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 80% of non-melanoma skin cancers.
This cancer mainly originates from the basal cells of the epidermis, which are the lowest cells on the surface of the skin. Basal cell carcinoma often develops uninvited malignant tumors that can cause damage to adjacent tissues, especially without appropriate monitoring and treatment. Its potential dangers should not be underestimated.
Causes and risk factors
The cause of basal cell carcinoma is primarily related to exposure to UV light, with the risk especially being higher during childhood. Other risk factors include fair skin, radiation therapy, long-term arsenic exposure, and a weakened immune system. Because of these risk factors, it is important to understand and promote protective measures.
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause DNA damage, and the accumulated damage may lead to basal cell cancer.
Diagnosis and Characteristics
Diagnosis usually relies on examination of the skin and is confirmed by tissue biopsy. In many cases, the common basal cell carcinoma appears as a smooth, pearly skin nodule. Superficial basal cell carcinoma may also be misdiagnosed as eczema, which requires a doctor's high vigilance and professional skills to make a diagnosis.
Treatment Plan
There are various ways to treat basal cell carcinoma, with surgical resection being the most common. Depending on the size of the cancer, doctors may choose a simple surgical removal or the more complex Mohs surgery. In addition to surgery, it can also be treated by cryosurgery, electrocautery treatment, local chemotherapy, etc.
Among all treatment modalities, Mohs surgery is widely recommended for its high treatment success rate.
Preventive measures
Although it is not easy to completely avoid the occurrence of basal cell carcinoma, some protective measures can reduce the risk, including using sunscreen with SPF30 or above, wearing appropriate clothing to block the sun, and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun. In addition, the therapist's attention to early detection and management of skin changes is also very important.
Early detection of skin cancer can effectively reduce the risk of it developing into a late stage.
Conclusion
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer. Although it develops slowly and is relatively safe, the damage to surrounding tissue cannot be ignored. Understanding the origin of its name and the pathological knowledge behind it can better remind us to pay attention to skin health. With the advancement of medical technology, effective treatment for basal cell carcinoma is no longer out of reach. So, how can we further improve our skin protection awareness in daily life?
