Basal Cell Carcinoma

Question 1

Define basal cell carcinoma

Answer 1

Cancer of the keratinocytes in the stratum basale of the epidermis

Slow growth rate with local invasion and does not tend to metastasise

Question 2

What are the main types of basal cell carcinoma

Answer 2

Nodular (most common)
Superficial
Morpheic
Pigmented

Question 3

Aetiology of basal cell carcinoma

Answer 3

Repetitive and frequent sun exposure

UV radiation induces DNA damage in the keratinocytes (290-320)

Question 4

Risk factors for basal cell carcinoma

Answer 4

UV light 
Family history 
Lighter skin
Arsenic exposure 
Tar 
Xeroderma pigmentosum 
Gorlin syndrome

Question 5

Epidemiology of basal cell carcinoma

Answer 5

Most common form of skin malignancy in fair skinned adults
Incidence increasing
Increases with age

Question 6

Symptoms of basal cell carcinoma

Answer 6

Slowly progressive skin lesion found on the face, but also on scalp, ears or trunk
Small crusts and non-healing wounds or scabs
Symptoms of metastases to lung or bone (UNCOMMON)

Question 7

Signs of nodular basal cell carcinoma

Answer 7

Nodule 
Pearly/shiny edges
Rolled edges
Central "rodent" ulcer
Central fine telangiectasia

Question 8

Signs of superficial basal cell carcinoma

Answer 8

Found on trunk
Flat
Pink/brown scaly plaques
“whipcord edge” that expands

Question 9

Signs of morphemic basal cell carcinoma

Answer 9

Yellow/white waxy plaque
Ill-defined edge
Scar-like

Question 10

Signs of pigmented basal cell carcinoma

Answer 10

Specks of brown or black pigment

Question 11

Investigations for basal cell carcinoma

Answer 11

Clinical diagnosis

Skin biopsy (shave or punch)