Dermatological Malignancies - Basal Cell Carcinoma

Question 1

What are Basal Cell Carcinomas characterised by? (3)

Answer 1

1. Slow Growth - No Pain/Bleeding.
2. Local Invasion (aggressive) - Rare Metastasis.
3. Rodent Ulcer.

Question 2

What are Basal Cell Carcinomas characterised by? (3)

Answer 2

1. Slow Growth - No Pain/Bleeding.
2. Local Invasion (aggressive) - Rare Metastasis.
3. Rodent Ulcer.

Question 3

Pathophysiology of Basal Cell Carcinoma (2).

Answer 3

1. Epidermal Keratinocyte Tumour due to DNA mutations following exposure to UV light.
2. Cells resemble basal cells of epidermis.

Question 4

Risk Factors of Basal Cell Carcinomas (4).

Answer 4

1. Type I/II Skin (Fair Skin - which always burns).
2. History of Frequent/Severe Previous Sun-Burn.
3. Outdoor Occupation/Hobbies.
4. Immunosuppression, Age, Family History, Male Sex.

Question 5

Clinical Presentation of Basal Cell Carcinoma (3).

Answer 5

1. Sun-Exposed Sites e.g. Head and Neck.
2. Pearly, Flesh-Coloured Papule with Telangiectasia.
3. Later Ulcerates to Leave a Central ‘Crater’ and Rolled-Edge.

Question 6

Types of Basal Cell Carcinomas (5).

Answer 6

1. Nodular (commonest) - raised translucent papule affecting face.
2. Superficial.
3. Morpheaform.
4. Cystic.
5. Basosquamous

Question 7

Management of Basal Cell Carcinoma (6).

Answer 7

1. Routine Referral.
2. Surgical Removal - 4mm Margin.
3. Curettage.
4. Cryotherapy.
5. Topical Creams e.g. Imiquimod, Fluorouracil.
6. Radiotherapy.

Question 8

Pathophysiology of Basal Cell Carcinoma (2).

Answer 8

1. Epidermal Keratinocyte Tumour due to DNA mutations following exposure to UV light.
2. Cells resemble basal cells of epidermis.

Question 9

Risk Factors of Basal Cell Carcinomas (4).

Answer 9

1. Type I/II Skin (Fair Skin - which always burns).
2. History of Frequent/Severe Previous Sun-Burn.
3. Outdoor Occupation/Hobbies.
4. Immunosuppression, Age, Family History, Male Sex.

Question 10

Clinical Presentation of Basal Cell Carcinoma (3).

Answer 10

1. Sun-Exposed Sites e.g. Head and Neck.
2. Pearly, Flesh-Coloured Papule with Telangiectasia.
3. Later Ulcerates to Leave a Central ‘Crater’ and Rolled-Edge.

Question 11

Types of Basal Cell Carcinomas (5).

Answer 11

1. Nodular (commonest) - raised translucent papule affecting face.
2. Superficial.
3. Morpheaform.
4. Cystic.
5. Basosquamous

Question 12

Management of Basal Cell Carcinoma (6).

Answer 12

1. Routine Referral.
2. Surgical Removal - 4mm Margin.
3. Curettage.
4. Cryotherapy.
5. Topical Creams e.g. Imiquimod, Fluorouracil.
6. Radiotherapy.