Basal Cell Carcinoma Flashcards
Define Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Commonest form of skin malignancy, also known as a rodent ulcer
What is the main risk factor for basal cell carcinoma?
Prolonged sun exposure or UV radiation
What is basal cell carcinoma seen in?
Gorlin’s Syndrome
What are some of the other rsik factors for basal cell carcinoma?
Photosensitising patch
Tar
Arsenic
What is the epidemiology of Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Common in those with fair skin Common in areas of high sunlight exposure Common in the elderly Rare before the age of 40yrs Lifetime risk in Caucasians = 1 in 3
What is the presenting symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma?
A chronic slowly progressive skin lesion
Where are lesions usually found in basal cell carcinoma?
Face
Scalp
Ears
Trunk
What are the Nodulo-Ulcerative (most common) signs of basal cell carcinoma on physical examination?
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
What is telangiectasia?
Visible small linear red lines on skin caused by widened venules
What are the Morphoeic signs of basal cell carcinoma on physical examination?
Expanding
Yellow/white waxy plaque with an ill-defined edge
More aggresive than nodulo-ulcerative
What are the superficial signs of basal cell carcinoma on physical examination?
Most often on trunk
Multiple pink/brown scaly plaques with a fine edge expanding slowly
What are the pigmented signs of basal cell carcinoma on physical examination?
Specks of brown or black pigment may be present in any BCC