Basal Cell Carcinoma Flashcards

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1
Q

Defintion

A

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

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2
Q

Aetiology

A

Caused by damage and subsequent DNA changes to the basal cells in the outermost layer of skin

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3
Q

Risk factors

A

· MAIN RISK FACTOR: prolonged sun exposure or UV radiation

· Seen in Gorlin’s syndrome

· Other risk factors:
o Photosensitising pitch
o Tar
o Arsenic

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4
Q

Epidemiology

A
· COMMON in those with FAIR SKIN
· Common in areas of high sunlight exposure
· Common in the elderly
· Rare before the age of 40 yrs
· Lifetime risk in Caucasians = 1 in 3
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5
Q

Presenting symptoms

A

· A chronic slowly progressive skin lesion

· Usually found on the:
o FACE
o Scalp
o Ears
o Trunk
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6
Q

Signs on physical examination

A

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

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

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

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

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7
Q

Investigations

A

· Biopsy is RARELY necessary

· Diagnosis is mainly on clinical suspicion

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