Basal cell carcinoma

Question 1

Define basal cell carcinoma

Answer 1

COMMONEST form of skin malignancy

AKA rodent ulcer

Question 2

Main risk factor for basal cell carcinoma

Answer 2

Prolonged sun exposure or UV radiation

Question 3

Other risk factors for basal cell carcinoma

4

Answer 3

Seen in Gorlin’s syndrome
Other risk factors:
photosensitising pitch
tar
arsenic

Question 4

Epidemiology of basal cell carcinoma

group x3, age, caucasian risk

Answer 4

COMMON in:
those w/ fair skin
areas of high sunlight exposure
elderly

Rare before age 40 yrs
Lifetime risk in Caucasians 1/3

Question 5

Presenting symptoms of basal cell carcinoma

1 + 4 locations

Answer 5

Chronic slowly progressive skin lesion

Usually found on the:
FACE
Scalp
Ears 
Trunk

Question 6

Signs of basal cell carcinoma on physical examination

4 types

Answer 6

Nodulo-ulcerative
Morphoeic
Superficial
Pigmented

Question 7

Signs of basal cell carcinoma on physical examination - nodulo-ulcerative
(5)

Answer 7

(MOST COMMON)
Small glistening translucent skin over coloured papule
Slowly enlarges 
Central ulcer w/ raised pearly edges
Fine telangiectasia over tumour surface
Cystic change in larger lesions

Question 8

Signs of basal cell carcinoma on physical examination - morphoeic
(3)

Answer 8

Expanding
Yellow/white waxy plaque w/ ill defined edge
More aggressive than nodulo-ulcerative

Question 9

Signs of basal cell carcinoma on physical examination - superficial
(2)

Answer 9

Most often on trunk

Multiple pink/brown scaly plaques w/ a fine edge expanding slowly

Question 10

Signs of basal cell carcinoma on physical examination - pigmented

Answer 10

Specks of brown or black pigment may be present in any BCC

Question 11

Investigations for basal cell carcinoma

2

Answer 11

Biopsy rarely necessary

Diagnosis mainly on clinical suspicion