Basal Cell Carcinoma

Question: science help: where can i find a diagram of how Basel Skin Cancer (basal cell carcinoma) is caused? please help>>> are there any websites that show a diagram of how the sun can cause Basel Skin cancer?? or.... i need to find out how the sun causes basal cell carcinoma...please help- i`ve searched everywhere... thanks for all answers! :)

Answer: :)

Question: Information on Squamous cell carcinoma, Basal cell carcinoma, and Melanoma? I need information on those three types of cancer and these are the questions I need answered about each one: What skin layers are affected? (such as epidermis and dermis) How is it treated? (any pills, special surgery?) Thanks for everyones help!

Answer: All of the malignancies you have mentioned are known as skin cancers. Basal Cell carcinoma usually involves the superficial layers (epidermis) of the skin and, if caught early, the treatment is removal of the lesion at the doctor's office under local anesthesia and follow up visits to see if any other suspicious lesions show up.If subsequent lesions are found a series of radiotherapy treatments is performed. Squamous cell carcinoma also arises on the epidermis but from the squamous cells. Since these cells are located deeper it can spread to the dermis and if left untreated it can eventually erode into the fat, muscle and bone; it literally "eats" away those tissues leaving the bone exposed {that's why it's also called "rodent ulcer"}. Early treatment is the same as Basal cell {surgical excision}, or the use of a topical cream {Aldara}. Once it reaches fat and muscle, treatment consists of radiotherapy followed by intravenous chemotherapeutic medications. Melanoma is by far the deadliest of skin cancers; it arises from the melanocytes which are the pigment-producing cells. This type of skin cancer tends to quite quickly metastasize to the bones, lymphatic system and eventually to distant organs like the lungs and brain. As soon as diagnosed, the lesion{s} are excised, aggressive radio and chemotherapy is started in an effort to prevent or halt further metastases. Although the main cause of all skin cancers is exposure to UV rays from sunlight or tanning booths, they can sometimes turn up in the most unlikely of places, In March of 2007 I was diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma in my vulva {I don't do nude sunbathing nor use tanning booths}. The lesion was excised after six months of my Gyno having misdiagnosed it as a genital wart and treating it as such, which only worsened the situation. In this case a medical malpractice suit is under way.

Question: Basal Cell Carcinoma removed now infected? I had a basal cell carcinoma skin cancer removed last week and now it smells bad and has a lot of puss on the badnaid. What should I do for this? I have a call in to the doctor but have not heard back from them. does it sound like it is infected or is this kind of normal?

Answer: Signs of infection include increasing redness (some red is normal), increasing pain, increasing drainage especially if yellow or green, and possibly odor though some odor is normal. If you haven't heard back call them again and if you need to get the front desk on the phone or ask for the on call doctor. You may need a culture and/or treatment.

Question: Body massage advised or not when Basal Cell Carcinoma diagnosed? I was advised to check with my doctor if body massage is recommended after being diagnosed with BCC, although I was already treated, and the BCC was eliminated. The doctor said that it is OK to get the massage. Has anyone experienced something similar? A response will be appreciated.

Answer: BCC is a localized cancer and once they are removed there is no risk at all to having a massage. BCC do not spread into the lymph nodes so this is another reason there is no risk in getting a massage. Enjoy your massage.

Question: I had surgery for cystic basal cell carcinoma and now have a lump above incision, why? surgery went well...but above incision I have a long, noticable lump that bothers me, of course.

Answer: Of course that's a question for your health care provider but I'll give my opinion. I think it's scar tissue. It could be inflammation since the body is in the process of healing. It may go away in time, but still, consult your health care provider who can examine it and give you an informed answer.

Question: what's the difference between Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma?

Answer: Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor of epidermal keratinocytes that invades the dermis, usually occurring in sun-exposed areas. Local destruction may be extensive, and metastases occur in advanced stages. Diagnosis is by biopsy. Treatment depends on the tumor's characteristics and may involve curettage and electrodesiccation, surgical excision, cryosurgery, or, occasionally, radiation therapy. Squamous cell cancer spreads faster than basal cell cancer, but still may be relatively slow-growing. It can spread (metastasize) to other locations, including internal organs. Basal cell carcinoma is a superficial slowly growing papule or nodule that derives from epidermal basal cells. Metastasis is rare, but local growth can be highly destructive. Diagnosis is by biopsy. Treatment depends on the tumor's characteristics and may involve curettage and electrodesiccation, surgical excision, cryosurgery, or, occasionally, radiation therapy. Basal cell carcinoma starts in the top layer of the skin called the epidermis. It grows slowly and is painless. A new skin growth that bleeds easily or does not heal well may suggest basal cell carcinoma. The majority of these cancers occur on areas of skin that are regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. They may also appear on the scalp. Basal cell skin cancer used to be more common in people over age 40, but is now often diagnosed in younger people. Basal cell skin cancer almost never spreads. But, if left untreated, it may grow into surrounding areas and nearby tissues and bone.

Question: What does brisk lymphocytic infiltrate mean when associated with a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma?

Answer: I would interpret this as a positive - an indication that the immune system recognized the threat and was attacking "briskly." [ I've not seen a pathologist use the word brisk to describe a lymphocytic infiltration, but it's an interesting characterization.] Basal Cell skin CA should be highly curable with resection alone.

Question: What are the side effects of surgical excision of basal cell carcinoma?

Answer: Well, it would hurt and leave a scar. If you want better answers, you should probably give more detail.

Question: Mum has just been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma? I know a little bit about it, I'm a student nurse but it's all different when it affects someone who is close to you. The area biopsied is on her chest area but her GP said there are a few suspicious looking areas on her back. She has been referred to a plasitc surgeon to remove it. Any personal experiences? Would like to hear your experiences or knowledge on it. Thanks!

Answer: basal cell is no big deal, the site is surgically removed and that's all she wrote. It doesn't spread, it won't get into the blood stream, it's simply a superficial skin cancer and once removed is no longer an issue.

Question: Chances of getting basal cell carcinoma? My grandmother (maternal) has had basal cell carcinoma removed many times from her forehead. My mom has a place on her nose that they said is more than likely basal cell carcinoma. My grandmother (paternal) died from breast cancer when she was 30. Does this mean I'm at a greater risk of basal cell carcinoma??

Answer: basal cell carcinoma is one form of skin cancer, it is not generally considered hereditary, more often it is due to exposure to the sun. If you protect yourself from the sun, then you should greatly reduce any risk you run getting it. Breast cancer however, has been shown to have hereditary markers, and I would suggest that you be monitored closely for that.

Question: Skin Cancer, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma? What kind of treatment is the best for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma? I am 30 years old, and have been diagnosed with both of these cancers and my doctor told me that we are going to talk this week about the different treatment opitions, creams, freezing and burning?? I would like to know the side effects and opitions I have, I am l eaning towards the cream, easy and I can do this at home I have small children and need to be with them. ty

Answer: I'm guessing that these are both skin cancers as squamous cell can be found elsewhere in the body. If you have been diagnosed with a squamous cell carcinoma it needs to be removed. Depending on where it is either a dermatologist/minor ops doctor or plastic suregeon will do it for you. Requires a local anaesthetic with an oval incision around the area but will be larger than the cancer to ensure all of it is removed. You will then find out the histology (someone looks down a microscope) results a few weeks later. A squamous cell carcinoma requires removal due to a very very small risk of it spreading to other organs. Takes about 10-15 minutes to remove, can go home same day. The basal cell carcinoma has no chance of spreading. For these you can use creams and freezing. Cryotherapy or freezing is done with liquid nitrogren by the GP/dermatologist and is the same stuff used for warts/varrucas. Very quick, a little painful at the time and can go home later. You will have to have several follow up appointments until the cancer has gone away. Alternatively you can use creams. If you have a whole area of basal cell carcinomas then you can apply a cream over the area. However be warned that certain creams are so powerful at removing cancer they will also burn your skin. You will experience a few weeks of very red painful skin over the application area but this will heal 100%. And I am repeatedly told that the skin comes back baby soft. You just have to deal with the few weeks of red skin. And of course you can also have a basal cell carcinoma removed surgically like the squamous cell. All these treatments shouldn't impact too mcuh on life with your kids. And if you have these two cancers then you need to keep an eye on all of your skin, particularly all of your moles. Any change in shape, colour, texture, size or if they bleed or become itchy requires a doctor to have a look at them. Now you've had these ones you are at increased risk of developing more. If increased sun exposure/UV radiation is the cause of your issues you need to watch out for malignant melanoma which is the one you don't want. But regular self-monitoring is all that is needed.

Question: Need to know about basal cell carcinoma? A place on the side of my nose was taken off and biopsied and it came back basal cell. My doctor wants to wait till my scar has healed 6 to 8 weeks is this normal should I wait?

Answer: Yes. Don't bescared Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It rarely metastasizes or kills, but it is still considered malignant because it can cause significant destruction and disfigurement by invading surrounding tissues. Statistically, approximately 3 out of 10 Caucasians develop a basal cell cancer within their lifetime. In 80 percent of all cases, basal cell cancers are found on the head and neck. There appears to be an increase in the incidence of basal cell cancer of the trunk (torso) in recent years. Basal cell carcinomas may be divided into the following types: * Nodular basal cell carcinoma (Classic basal cell carcinoma) * Cystic basal cell carcinoma * Cicatricial basal cell carcinoma (Morpheaform basal cell carcinoma, Morphoeic basal cell carcinoma) * Infiltrative basal cell carcinoma * Micronodular basal cell carcinoma * Superficial basal cell carcinoma (Superficial multicentric basal cell carcinoma) * Pigmented basal cell carcinoma * Rodent ulcer (Jacobi ulcer) * Fibroepithelioma of Pinkus * Polypoid basal cell carcinoma * Pore-like basal cell carcinoma * Aberrant basal cell carcinoma

Question: My husband had a small basal cell carcinoma removed from his ear just above the earlobe. ? Why does he need to sleep with his head elevated? Is it for the swelling?

Answer: The head is highly vascular. As in there are lot's of tiny blood vessels that intertwine throughout the face and head region. If you want to control bleeding? Bandage and elevation. Also elevation reduces swelling, and can relieve pain as well.

Question: What happens if a basal cell carcinoma goes untreated?

Answer: This is a skin cancer that does not often spread to other parts of the body but it can. I am a medical student and I have seen a case of this before during my neuropathology rotation. We saw a patient's slides who had a basal cell carcinoma that metastasized (spread) to his brain. Just because it rarely metastasizes does not mean that it cannot. Cancer is not something to be messed with.

Question: What is the survival rate for a small Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Answer: The survival rate for a small basal cell carcinoma would be 99.99% with the only deaths occuring from a basal cell cancer that had been ignored for many years and allowed to either become so locally destructive that infection became a problem or you ignored the basal cell and allowed it to grow and you happened to be one of the tiny minority of people with a basal cell cancer that happens to metastacize - a very rare thing. http://www.skincancer.org/basal/index.ph… The cure rate for initial treatment of a small basal cell carcinoma with a simple excision would be 95% or higher. This cure rate number might be a little lower if the cancer was located on the eyelid, lip or top edge of the ear because of the increased blood flow in those areas or the difficulty in removing all of the cancer. Also the older the age of the person the more difficulty the patient might have in healing but generally speaking prompt treatment cures almost all basal cells. If the location is somewhere simple then you do not really need to worry about survival rates. Just go to the dermatologist, get it removed and move on with your life. There are about 750,000 basal cells removed each year in the US so all experienced dermatologists have removed many of them in the course of their training and practice.

Question: Can someone tell me more about Basal Cell Carcinoma? Serious answers only please.

Answer: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of cancer, with about a million new cases estimated in the U.S. each year. Basal cells line the deepest layer of the epidermis. Basal cell carcinomas are malignant growths--tumors--that arise in this layer. Basal cell carcinoma can usually be diagnosed with a simple biopsy and is fairly easy to treat when detected early. However, 5 to 10 percent of BCCs can be resistant to treatment or locally aggressive, damaging the skin around them, and sometimes invading bone and cartilage. When not treated quickly, they can be difficult to eliminate. Fortunately, however, this is a cancer that has an extremely low rate of metastasis, and although it can result in scars and disfigurement, it is not usually life threatening. The sun is responsible for over 90 percent of all skin cancers, including BCCs, which occur most frequently on the sun-exposed areas of the body: face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders and back. The vast majority of BCCs are not serious if detected early and treated quickly. The BCCs that cause trouble are the ones that have been neglected until they have become so thick that they are hard to treat. There is no one best method to treat all skin cancers and precancers. The choice is determined by many factors, including the location, type, size, whether it is a primary tumor or a recurrent one, the health and preference of the patient, and the physician's experience with the technique. For example, a treatment that has a high cure rate and is painless but leaves a large scar might be acceptable for a tumor on the body, but not on the face. Almost all treatments can be performed in the physician’s office or in a special surgical facility. Most skin cancer removal can be done using a local anesthetic. Rarely, extensive tumors may require general anesthesia and hospital admission. Current methods of treating BCC are: Curettage-electrodessication Cryosurgery Chemotherapy: topical or injection Excisional surgery Mohs micrographic surgery Radiation Laser therapy Photodynamic therapy Cure rates for most of the modes of therapy are excellent – from 85 to 99 percent for primary basal cell carcinomas. Treatment does not end when the skin cancer has been removed. You and your physician will consider both medical and cosmetic factors in choosing the technique for closing and repairing wounds left after cancer treatment. The decision may be to let your wound heal naturally, close it with stitches, or, if surgery has been extensive, to cover the area with a skin graft. Cancerous and precancerous conditions can recur even when they appear to have been adequately treated. A patient should continue to see the physician for regular follow-up visits for several years to make sure that the growth has not recurred.

Question: private medical treatment- basal cell carcinoma removal? Can anybody give me an idea of the cost of removing basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer) privately and how long it takes. Any other info would be good too. Thx in advance

Answer: Provided your GP refers you it will only take about a week or so. You will need an initial consultation, ideally with a plastic surgeon. He will arrange removal and if necessary grafting, this will probably be carried out as an outpatient procedure. To get a package price simply ring up one or two of your local private hospitals and they will usually be able to give you a fixed package price.

Question: Do you know anyone that has died from basal cell carcinoma? the "least serious" skin cancer?

Answer: I don’t know anyone personally, but I have seen cases in which people died from this.

Question: What's the survival rate for a small Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma? in somewhat of an early stage.

Answer: The survival rate for a small nodular basal cell would be 99.99% with the only death coming from a cancer that had been ignored for many years and allowed to either become so locally destructive that infection became a problem or you ignored the basal cell and allowed it to grow and you happened to be one of the tiny minority of people with a basal cell cancer that happens to metastcize - a very rare thing. http://www.skincancer.org/basal/index.ph… The cure rate for initial treatment with a simple excision of a small basal cell would be 95% or higher. This cure rate number might be a little lower if the cancer was located on the eyelid, lip or top edge of the ear because of the increased blood flow in those areas or the difficulty in removing all of the cancer. Also the older the age of the person the more difficulty they might have healing but generally speaking prompt treatment cures almost all basal cells. A nodular basal cell is not one of the more complicated types of basal to treat or cure so if the location is somewhere simple then you do not really need to worry about survival rates. Just go to the dermatologist, get it removed and move on with your life. There are about 750,000 basal cells removed each year in the US so all experienced dermatologists have removed many of them in the course of their training and practice. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/…

Question: How fast does Basal Cell Carcinoma spread if the doctors report came back "deep"?

Answer: Basal cell carcinoma (BBC) is the most common skin cancer. It can be destructive and disfiguring. Risk is increased for individuals with a family history of the disease and a high cumulative exposure to UV light via sunlight or, in the past, carcinogenic chemicals especially arsenic. Treatment is with surgery, topical chemotherapy, x-ray, cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy, or topical immune enhancement drugs such as imiquimod. It is rarely life-threatening but if left untreated can be disfiguring, cause bleeding and produce local destruction (eg., eye, ear, nose, lip). The spreading of the disease depends on the stage and grade of the disease. If it is in stage III or IV it will spread faster. Grade is the spread or rate at which the cancerous cells split or multiply. This is to be analyzed microbiologically from the Slice taken from Biopsy of the affected portion. Here also Grade III and above are dangerous. Any way the best person is your oncologist who is on the spot and he will only be able to asses the position and give proper treatment. However Basal Cell Carcinoma is not a very serious kind and it will not have very adverse effects and can be cured by proper medication and frequent check ups by your oncologist