Basal Cell

Question: Basal Cell? My little sister (9 years old) just found out she has skin cancer on her chin. She was seeing a dermitologist about the breakout for about a year now-but they just found out that is was a basal cell. Can somone tell me more about it-and why they didnt catch it earlier? Is it curable? Anything?

Answer: An early basal cell carcinoma has a very high cure rate - in the upper 90% percentile and probably even higher since she has been under the care of a dermatologist. Basal cells do not spread and are the most common and most easily cured of all skin cancer types. There are about 750,000 BCC diagnosed in the US each year. It is unusual for a nine year old to have any type of skin cancer so your parents might want to talk to your family Dr to see if additional testing of your sister's immune system might be needed to see if there is something else going on that is depressing her immune function. You didn't say how big the lesion mighe be but if it is small the Dr might just freeze it and if a bit larger then they will probably excise the lesion and she might have a stitch or two. Either way your sister will be fine and within a year the scar will have disappeared. Your sister will need to use sunscreen when outside from now on and to also wear a wide brimmed hat because once you have had one skin cancer your risk of having another within five years is about 71%. MOHS surgery is expensive and usually not needed for most basal cells unless they are located on the eyelid, edge of ear, lips, nose or somewhere that the scar might be disfiguring. With most small BCC this is not the case and the treated area heals quickly after simple excision. http://www.skincancer.org/basal/index.ph…

Question: Why is basal cell carcinoma the least invasive of all cancers? Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) can develop into large unsightly skin tumors but the cells rarely metasize or spread to distant sites like malignant melanoma, lung cancer, colon cancer etc. Is it that only certain genes are involved in BCC which mean they fail to become completely immature like other tumor cells, or is it they are more liable to be attacked by the immune system? Any other ideas?

Answer: Simon - Great question! Sorry that the answer is not yet known. Most cancer research efforts have been directed towards the malignant tumors which rapidly invade the blood vessels and lymph channels making their spread easily, but not malignant basal cells of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It may be genetic, as you mention, or the BCC cells may lack certain genes and/or enzymes which would allow the cells to survive in other body locations. It is NOT likely to be related to the immune system as microscopic examination of BCC lesions do not show the tissue changes of immune-type cells adjacent to or invading the BCC as they do with other tumors. Hence, the BCC spreads by ever-widening direct growth from the primary tumor without metastases but able to invade the toughest of nearby tissues, even bone. Might you be interested in such a research career in dermatopathology?

Question: What is considered too low a range for basal cell temperature? Is it always a sign of hypothyroidism? I've been doing bbt tracking, and I've noticed that my highest basal cell temperature in the morning was 36.8F. It's most often between 36.1-36.5. I believe I've had a thyroid test, and it was normal. I first realised my body temperature might too low when I was using a fertility chart and had to change the range since my waking temperature has never even reached 37 degrees C. I sleep pretty normally, and usually wake up naturally around the same time every day. The thing is, I don't tend to feel cold, and although I weigh more than I did when I was younger and can't seem to lose it, I'm still pretty slim. I do have some symptoms that appear to be consistent with hypothyroidism, but some are not. For example, I don't have any throat problems and I rarely ever feel cold even with a low body temperature. Is it within a normal range, or are can it be a symptom of something besides thyroid disorders?

Answer: You can be hypothyroidic (sp?) for years before it manifests itself. My best advice is to have your doctor do thyroid testing of the blood to make sureyour levels are all right. The number should be near 5. When my hypothroidism was diagnosed, I was having headaches and insomnia. It may be that your levels are fluctuating, or that it is off. If there is a history of it in your family, you have probably some sort of thyroid disorder which can be easily helped by a small dose of medicine. You should definitely see your doctor. As far as basal cell tempuratures being, I am not sure what you mean, the problem will be shown for thyroid in the blood. Good luck.

Question: What is basal cell carcinoma? and How does it compare with malignant melanoma? What is basal cell carcinoma? and How does it compare with malignant melanoma?

Answer: Basal cell carcinoma is mildest form of skin cancer with tendency for only local spread.Most commonly occures in face(Area above a line from tip of nose to ear lobule) Surgical wide excision is treatment of choice with very good prognosis. On the other hand- Malignant Melanoma is most aggressive and virulent form of skin cancer with tendency for early loco regional and distant spread. With all modality of treatment,prognosis is very poor.

Question: Can I have a basal cell carcinoma on my foot? Has this happened to anyone, what I thought was a wart is infact a basal cell carcinoma. How was it treated if this happened to you. Thanks.

Answer: Skin cancer is a major problem in the elderly. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common skin cancer, typically occurs in this age group. Despite a number of modalities readily available for treatment. Consequently, the search for novel treatments continues. To my knowledge, there are only 6 published reports of invasive SCC treated with 5-percent Imiquimod cream. (Imiquimod is a topically applied imidazoquiline immunomodulator that enhances both innate and cell-mediated immunity ) This is a clinical trial result that has details that may be of interest:- An 89-year-old woman presented with three lesions on her lower limbs. She had previous treatments for multiple basal cell carcinomas, actinic keratoses, Bowen disease, and invasive SCCs at various sites. The new lesions were on the left foot (one) and right lower leg (two) and all showed changes of poorly differentiated SCC histologically. She declined surgical excision; radiotherapy was felt to be a poor option. She was treated with 5-percent imiquimod cream, initially to just the lesion on the dorsum of the foot, for 8-12 hours at night for three nights each week (three times a week). Treatment was well tolerated by week 2, so the frequency was increased to five times a week, and all three lesions treated. Gradually, two lesions diminished in size. Treatment was continued until there was no clinical evidence of residual tumor at these sites (19 weeks) repeat biopsies showed only a focus of dysplastic cells with no invasion (dorsum, left foot), and epidermal hyperplasia with no significant cytological atypia (outer aspect, right lower leg) Neither now showed evidence of invasive SCC. After 16 months there was no recurrence of either lesion. The third lesion (right lower leg,) did not respond to topical imiquimod and was later surgically excised. Hope this helps Matador 89

Question: What are some treatments for Basal Cell Carcinoma? I think i have Basal Cell Carcinoma, And I'm going to the clinic Thursday, and i was wondering what i have to look forward to.. Like what they'll do to treat it.

Answer: Basal Cell Carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. It is typically a very slow growing, non-invasive cancer and is treated very effectivly by excision. If the doctor believes the lesion to be suspicious of BCC, they will likely schedule a biopsy to confirm this, and then completely remove it by cutting it out and placing a couple of stiches on the wound.

Question: basal cell? On my thigh close to my knee, I have a red pimple- about a size of pencil eraser. I think it has been there for about a year and I am fair skinned with dark eyes and hair with I like to say beauty marks...does anyone have any ideas of what it may be? or suggest some help? No it does not hurt. It is round and raised just like a pimple. why does it not go away?

Answer: I thought my basal cell was a mosquito bite. I went to the dermotologist for a rash on my arm and she spotted the basal cell right away. Boy was I surprised. It was just a scaley spot, but it didn't itch. You can go to the Mayo Clinic web site and see pictures of skin cancers. If you're really concerned, I would have it looked at. Never hurts.

Question: Basal cell carcinoma surgery and skin graft - anyone else had the same? I've had a full thickness skin graft for a basal cell carcinoma on my left temple on my face, but after 3 months, my wound site where the cancer was (not the skin graft site) is still painful. Anyone else had this?

Answer: I had a basal cell carcinoma on my nose removed April 3rd 1991. Now its beginning to peel. I've made arrangement to see a skin specialist. I would suggest you do the same. It can be very painful. The likelihood of the cancer coming back, while still in the back of our minds, is minimal at best, its still there and very real, and very scary. Go see your DR. its important. And refrain from being in the sun. Your to important/special to not go see about it.

Question: My basal cell skin spot disappeared months after biopsy? Do I still need it removed? I dont' know if I called it right as basal cell, but its one of those precancer spots. I had a biopsy was tested positive, I'm supposed to have surgery to have it removed, but now I can't see anything. Why would this be and if it's not there, why cut it open to remove something you can't see?

Answer: If the biopsy indicated a precancer, then I would imagine that the biopsy removed the majority of the problem (but probably not all of it). The tendency of those lesions is to be shaped like an iceberg; that is, there may be more cells outside the obvious area. If it's not clinically apparent, perhaps you can get rid of it chemically, rather than having "blind surgery". There are a couple of creams that you can apply to the area that will find the hidden cancer cells, and keep you from going thru a scarring surgery. You might want to see if your dermatologist will prescribe either 5-FU or Aldara.

Question: how long can you have a basal cell skin cancer on your face without knowing it? whats the longest people have gone with basal cell skin cancer on their face before treating it?

Answer: It can be present a long time (years) while you dismiss it as a nuisance. I have seen patients ignore them for a decade, and come in with a giant mass, a neglected mess. These are easily cured when early. See your surgeon or dermatologist.

Question: If a doctor told me not to worry about a basal cell and I had half of my nose removed is it malpractise? Doctor had removed a growth there before the last biopsy in July. Still told me "Don't worry, basal cells are very slow growing." When a got a copy of my chart in February it said MOH's. He never told me he couldn't do the surgery. The Mohs surgery literally took half of my nose and required Plastic Surgery. I'm traumatized.

Answer: This case would most likely be malpractice. I can't really tell from your question, but it looks like the Doctor knew you needed surgery back in July, but never ordered it or recommended it?? Either way, you can definitely get a legal consultation for free. Call your state's bar association and they will give you a list of attorneys who handle medical negligence claims, (most of which will give you an initial consultation for free). When you have your consult, bring in as many medical records and bills as you have for the attorney to look at. You will be ahead of the game if you call your Doctor and ask for copies of your records now. Be careful, in most states you only have 3 years from the time of "injury" to bring a claim, so do it soon. Good Luck.

Question: Life expectancy for Basal Cell Carcinoma? For a science project i have to make a 9 slide power point presentation on a type of cancer. I chose Basal Cell Carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, for my project. I need to know the life expectancy of patients with BCC.

Answer: BCC is not a life threatening cancer. It doesn't metastasize, therefore will not spread into organs like other cancers. So the life expectancy is normal lifespan. Lol, well I'm 99% correct! My mom had a couple spots removed and has a couple more; she's 76 yrs old and never tanned. Rates of metastasis for BCC have been estimated at 0.1%. Average age: 85 Average refusal of treatments:40% One documented death from tumor of bcc on spine for 15 years, Patient refused treatments. When it got so bad, as to have to be treated, he died of sepsis, not bcc. He was 53 yrs old.

Question: Is there a way to easily detect basal cell carcinoma early? Basal cell carcinoma is non-life threatening, but can be disfiguring if not treated in a timely way. I was wondering if there are ways to detect basal cell carcinoma early enough so that surgery can be minimally invasive.

Answer: the best way for early detection of any skin cancer is routine visits to your dermatologist. by routine i mean if youre at risk you should go in shorter time frames, if at low risk go at farther times. the doc will examine your skin at every visit and make notes of the location size and shape of exhisting moles and monitor them and the rest of you for any chenges.

Question: Can photodynamic therapy be used in treating basal cell cancer? I have basal cell on the side of my nose.? My doctor wants to surgically remove the cancer. Is there any other non-evasive treatment for basal cell cancers? This is my 3rd surgery on my nose and I don't want to look deformed.

Answer: My dad had basal cell carcinoma on his cheek and this site helped me understand treatments better because I am interested in it anyway... it is my field. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/t… My dad ended up just getting it removed (excision) and there is not even a detectable scar anymore.

Question: How can you tell the difference between eczema and basal cell skin cancer? i looked at pictures and it looks identical to the eczema I have. But i've had that my whole life...

Answer: Most intimately and certainly. Eczema is known medically as "the itch that rashes" -- the reason is that it itches before the rash comes. Basal cell -- shiny, raised, not itchy , nothing like eczema. Had a pimple that wouldn't pop -- turned out to be basal cell. Where you fit, I cannot tell. But there is a big difference. GOOD LUCK!

Question: What are the symptoms of a basal cell carcinoma? Is it possible that you could have one for a year without any change in size? Also how likely is it that someone in their early 20's could get one. (i.e. does it require excessive sun exposure?) I am looking at google, but I would also like some input from you people.

Answer: The risk of skin cancer is related to the amount of sun exposure and pigmentation in the skin. The longer the exposure to the sun and the lighter the skin, the greater the risk of skin cancer. It occurs most frequently in people over 45 years of age, and almost twice as often in men as in women, but if you're in the sun very often with little or no protection, it is possible for you to get skin cancer even in your early 20's. Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma: -The five most typical characteristics of basal cell carcinoma are quite different from each other. Frequently, two or more features are present in one tumor. In addition, basal cell carcinoma sometimes resembles non-cancerous skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema. Only a trained physician, usually a dermatologist, can diagnose this cancer. It is advisable to learn the signs of basal cell carcinoma and examine the body regularly, as often as once a month, if at high risk. A full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror can be very useful for the less visible parts of the body. The five warning signs of basal cell carcinoma are: -An open sore that bleeds, oozes or crusts, and remains open for three or more weeks. A persistent, non-healing sore is a very common early manifestation. -A reddish patch or an irritated area, frequently occurring on the chest, shoulders, arms or legs. Sometimes the patch crusts. It may also itch or hurt. At other times, it persists with no noticeable discomfort. -A smooth growth with an elevated, rolled border and an indentation in the center. As the growth slowly enlarges, tiny blood vessels may develop on the surface. -A shiny bump (or nodule) that is pearly or translucent and is often pink, red or white. The bump can also be tan, black or brown, especially in dark-haired people, and can be confused with a mole. -A scar-like area (white, yellow, or waxy in appearance) which often has poorly defined borders. The skin itself appears shiny or taut. -Although a less frequent sign, it can indicate the presence of an aggressive tumor. http://www.healthscout.com/ency/1/199/ma…

Question: How can you tell the diffrence between a pimple and Basal cell carsanoma? I have these three spots on my arms. I thought they were just pimples but they haven't gone away. I will probaly get them checked out but I want to know if I am totally over reacting. I live in Florida so I am outside all the time.

Answer: Yes yes yes go get them checked asap. Could also be dermatofibroma (benign) those can sometimes look like an ingrown pimple. Best to have a reputable dermatologist look at it and do either a shave or punch biopsy-done in office while awake with local anesthetic-piece of cake. CALL for APPT TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Question: is it unusual to have multiple basal cell carcinomas before the age of thirty? At 27, i had a bcc removed from my nose which i had since i was 25. Now I have noticed two red patches on my back(been there for four months) close to each other that look like a superficial bcc. Is this unusual, and should i move up my dermatology appointment which is in six months?

Answer: Yes this is unusual and yes you should see you doctor sooner.

Question: Just diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma? For 4 years ive had this lesion on my nose that i recently found out was basal cell carcinoma and now im afraid i waited too long to get it checked. with no money and no insurance im even more freaked out im gonna have to live with it. im 33 years old and was hoping someone else can give me some insight. ty.

Answer: Although people rarely die from this cancer it is not something you can just live with, as it will kill you eventually. Between now and then it will continue to grow and eat through your nose – get it taken care of before you need plastic surgery.

Question: What are the primary and other risk factors that may or may not be related to basal cell carcinoma? This is for my Anatomy class and is a clinical case study. I ask.com'd it but that none of the sites really helped me on determining the primary and other risk factors.

Answer: Basal Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors Some common risk factors for basal cell carcinoma include: Chronic sun exposure mainly to UVB radiation but also UVA A history of repeated sunburns or childhood exposure to the sun A suppressed immune system HIV disease Ionizing radiation used for acne in the 1940's Fair skin and the propensity to freckle or burn rather than tan Some rare risk factors for basal cell carcinoma include: Exposure to arsenic A condition called granuloma inguinale Scarred or previously damaged skin, especially radiation damage Rare genetic diseases such as xeroderma pigmentosa, nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, and albinism