Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for approximately 95% of all skin cancer cases. This type of cancer usually appears as small plaques that develop slowly over time, but do not affect other organs other than the skin.
Therefore, basal cell carcinoma has an excellent chance of recovery because, in most cases, it is possible to remove all cancer cells only by surgery, as it is diagnosed in the early stages of development.
- This type of cancer is most common after age 40.
- Especially in people with light skin.
- Blond hair and light eyes.
- Who are overly exposed to the sun; However.
- Basal cell carcinoma can occur at any age and.
- Therefore.
- It is important to know how to identify the first signs of skin cancer.
- To be aware of any changes.
This type of cancer develops mainly in the parts of the body most exposed to the sun, such as the face or neck, showing signs such as:
These signs should be observed by a dermatologist and, if cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be needed to remove certain tissues from the lesion and determine if there are malignant cells.
If the spot on the skin has characteristics such as very irregular edges, asymmetry, or a size that grows very fast over time, it can also indicate a case of melanoma, for example, which is the most severe type of skin cancer. needs to know to identify melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma occurs when cells outside the skin undergo genetic changes and reproduce disorderly, damaging the body, especially on the face.
This growth of abnormal cells is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays emitted by sunlight or tanning lamps, however, people who have not been exposed to the sun may have basal cell carcinoma and, in these cases, there is no well-defined cause.
There are several types of basal cell carcinoma, which may include
Types of basal cell carcinoma differ according to their characteristics and can therefore be difficult to identify; for example, whenever skin cancer is suspected, due to the presence of a dubious spot on the skin, a dermatologist should always be consulted.
Treatment is done, in most cases, by laser or cold surgery at the site of the injury, to eliminate and remove all malignant cells, preventing them from continuing to grow.
After that, it’s important to make several review appointments, re-test, and evaluate whether the cancer continues to develop or has completely healed. If you have healed, simply return to your doctor once a year to make sure there are no other signs. have appeared.
However, when surgery is not enough to treat cancer and carcinoma continues to develop, some radiation or chemotherapy sessions may be needed to slow progression and eliminate malignant cells that continue to multiply.
Learn about other techniques that can be used to treat skin cancer
To prevent the development of basal cell carcinoma, it is recommended to use sunscreen with protective factor greater than 30, as well as avoid sun exposure at times when ultraviolet rays are very intense, wear hats and clothing with UV protection, apply a lip balm with sunscreen and do not tan.
In addition, precautions should be taken with children and babies, such as applying an age-appropriate sunscreen, as they are more susceptible to the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. Learn more about how to protect yourself from solar radiation.