Basal Cell Carcinoma

Question 1

Define BCC

Answer 1

• COMMONEST form of skin malignancy, also known as a rodent ulcer

Question 2

What are the causes/risk factors of BCC?

Answer 2

• MAIN RISK FACTOR: prolonged sun exposure or UV radiation
• Seen in Gorlin’s syndrome
• Photosensitising pitch
• Tar
• Arsenic

Question 3

What are the symptoms of BCC?

Answer 3

• chronic slowly progressing skin lesion usually found on:

• face
• scalp
• ears
• trunk

Question 4

What are the signs of BCC?

Answer 4

Nodulo-ulcerative (MOST COMMON)
• Small glistening translucent skin over a coloured papule
• Slowly enlarges
• Central ulcer with raised pearly edges
• Fine telangiectasia over the tumour surface
• Cystic change in larger lesions

Morphoeic
• Expanding
• Yellow/white waxy plaque with an ill-defined edge
• More aggressive than nodulo-ulcerative

Superficial
• Most often on trunk
• Multiple pink/brown scaly plaques with a fine edge expanding slowly

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

Question 5

What investigations are carried out for BCC?

Answer 5

Clinical diagnosis - biopsy rarely needed