Basal Cell Carcinoma Flashcards
What is basal cell carcinoma?
One of the three main types of skin cancer.
80% BCC, 20% SCC
What are the features of basal cell carcinoma?
‘Rodent ulcers’ - slow-growth and local invasion.
Metastases are extremely rare.
Sun-exposed sites, especially the head and neck.
Pearly, flesh-coloured papule with telangiectasia.
May later ulcerate leaving a central ‘crater’
What is the epidemiology of basal cell carcinoma?
Most common cancer in the western world.
How should basal cell carcinoma be referred?
If suspected, a routine referral be made.
What are the management options for basal cell carcinoma?
Surgical removal Curettage Cryotherapy Topical cream: imiquimod, fluorouracil Radiotherapy
What are the sub types of basal cell carcinoma?
Nodular, morphoeic, superficial, pigmented.
What is the prognosis of basal cell carcinoma?
Typically slow growing with low metastatic potential
Standard surgical excision is treatment.
What pattern of UV light exposure is associated with basal cell carcinoma?
Sporadic exposure with episodes of burning.
What are the subtypes of basal cell carcinoma?
Nodular BCC Superficial BCC Morpheaform BCC Cystic BCC Basosquamous carcinoma
What is nodular BCC?
Commonest variant (60%)
Raised translucent papule
Usually affect the face
Large nodular BCC’s are locally destructive
What is superficial BCC?
Usually appears as a superficial erythmatous macule affecting the trunk Younger age at presentation (~57) May show areas of spontaneous regression Horizontal growth pattern predominates High recurrence rate
What is morpheaform BCC?
Macroscopically resembles flat, slightly atrophic lesion or plaque without well-defined borders
Tumour has sub-clinical lateral spread which increases recurrence rate
What is cystic BCC?
Often has clear of blue-grey appearance
Cystic degeneration may not be clinically obvious and tumour may resemble nodular BCC
What is basosquamous carcinoma?
Atypical BCC
Basaloid histological BCC features with eosinophilic squamoid features of SCC
Biologically more aggressive and more locally destructive.
What is a keratoacanthoma?
Dome-shaped erythematous lesions developing over a period of says and growing rapidly.
Often contain a central pit of keratin, then begin to necrose and slough off.
