Basal Cell Carcinoma

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Cancer of the basal cells

Question 2

Where in the skin does it occur?

Answer 2

The epidermis and dermis-but generally only in places that have the ability to grow hair

Question 3

What does it show histopathologically? (2)

Answer 3

Proliferating atypical basal cells and variable amounts of mucinous stroma

Question 4

Is it dangerous?

Answer 4

It is locally invasive and aggressive but has limited capacity to metastasise

Question 5

Is it common?

Answer 5

It is the most common type of skin cancer with >400,000 new patients annually

Question 6

Who does it affect?

Answer 6

Usually over 40 years old and affects more males

Question 7

What are the predisposing factors? (2)

Answer 7

White skin with poor tanning ability, ionising radiation

Question 8

Signs and Symptoms (7)

Answer 8

Papular or nodular, ulcer, crusting, telangectasia, erythematous, usually annular with depressed centre, can have multiple lesions

Question 9

What is the treatment?

Answer 9

Surgical excision, radiotherapy