Basal Cell Carcinoma

Question 1

Define:

Answer 1

Commonest form of skin malignancy.

Malignant tumour arising from the basal layer of the epidermis.

Question 2

Aetiology:

Answer 2

Usually due to prolonged sun exposure or uv radiation

Seen Gorhn’s syndrome

Question 3

Risk factors:

Answer 3

UV radiation 
Sun exposure
Photosensitising pitch 
Tar 
Arsenic 
Rarely has metastasis but can slowly lead to local destruction if left untreated

Question 4

Epidemiology:

Answer 4

Common in fair people and the elderly (rare in <40)

Common in areas of high sunlight exposure

In caucasians risk = 1/3

Question 5

Symptoms:

Answer 5

Chronic slowly progressing skin lesion

Usually found on:

• face
• Scalp
• ears
• trunk

Question 6

Signs of nodular:

Answer 6

Pearly nodule with telangiectatic edge

Most common

Slowly enlarges

May have central ulcer

Question 7

Signs of morphoeic:

Answer 7

yellow/white plaque with ill defined edge

Expanding and more aggressive

Question 8

Signs of superficial:

Answer 8

Most often on the trunk or shoulders

Multiple pink/brown scaly plaques with smooth edge

Question 9

Signs of pigmented:

Answer 9

Specks of brown or black pigment

May present slowly

Question 10

Investigations:

Answer 10

Biopsy rarely needed but can be done for dermatoisopathology

Diagnosis is mainly on clinical suspicion