Basal Cell carcinoma

Question 1

Define basal cell carcinoma

Answer 1

Skin neoplasm of the cells at the base of the epidermis

Agressive locally but very rarely metastases-
local invasion is now very rare

Question 2

Aetiology and risk factors of basal cell carcinoma

Answer 2

From pluripotent cells at the base of epidermis-the pathophys is unclear
The main risk factor is UV light exposure-repetitive and frequent-especially sunburns
Most exposure happens in childhood

Risk factors:
age over 40
Frequent sunburn/sun exposure
Living in country with a lot of sun
X-rays
Xeroderma pigmentosum
FHx

Question 3

Epidiemology of basal cell carcinoma

Answer 3

Most common skin malignancy in UK, US, Europe
Incidence is rising
115 in 100 000 in uk
higher in countries with more sun
incidence rises after 40

Question 4

Signs and Sx of basal cell carcinoma

Answer 4

Typically-nodular (round/oval), shiny, pink papule with teleganctasis (visible veins on surface)
Hx of growing in recent months

it can also present as non-healing scabs, small crusts, plaque/nodules with rolled borders
stetching the papule and shining light-should make them more pearly

if really long term and neglected-lung and bone mets
local destruction-large

Question 5

Investigations of basal cell carcinoma

Answer 5

its a biopsy-
punch biopsy in non cosmetic areas-can remove up to 10mm and facilitate treamtment and diagnosis

shave biopsy for face