Basal cell carcinoma

The main risk factors associated with Basal Cell Carcinoma are:

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation: UV exposure is thought to be the major risk factor for basal cell carcinoma and most other skin cancers. This is because UV can damage the DNA carried by skin cells causing them to grow and divide uncontrollably. Sunlight and tanning beds are the main sources of UV radiation. People with excessive and unprotected exposure to light from these sources are at greater risk for all kinds of skin cancers. Studies also suggest that exposure at a young age is an added risk factor.
• Complexion: Hair, eye and skin color are determined by the amount and type of melanin produced by cells called melanocytes. Melanin is a special form of pigment that absorbs light and provides protection from the damaging effects of UV radiation. People with fair skin, freckles and red or blonde hair have less light-absorbing melanin in their skin and hence have a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
• Gender and age: Men are 50% more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma than women. This is thought to be mainly because men are more exposed to the sun (outdoor labor) less aware of the need for UV protection. Basal cell carcinoma is more common in both sexes after the age of 40.
• Family history: Not surprisingly, family history plays a role in the development of skin cancers. This is partly because complexion is largely genetically determined. At the same time, family members also tend to live in the same areas with comparable UV radiation exposure. Genetic variants have been found to increase risk for certain skin cancers, mostly through their effect on lightening skin complexion.

Prevention and treatment

The best known way to lower the risk of any skin cancer is to avoid sun-burn and limit exposure to the sun and other sources of UV radiation, including tanning beds and sun lamps. If detected early, basal cell carcinoma is comparatively easy to treat. However, 5-10%of basal cell carcinoma tumors can be resistant to treatment or can damage the skin around them, sometimes invading bone and cartilage. Fortunately, however, basal cell carcinoma has an extremely low rate of spreading to other parts or organs of the body (metastasis), and although it can result in scarring it is usually not life threatening.

As early detection of basal cell carcinoma is the key to successful treatment, it is important to recognize what basal cell cancer looks like and perform regular self-examinations of your skin, especially if you are at increased risk for developing this type of skin cancer. If you observe any unusual change in your skin such as a bump, a sore that doesn´t heal, or an area with different color or texture than the skin around it, consult your physician.

There is no single best method to treat all skin cancers. The method of choice is determined by many factors, including the location, type, size, whether it is a first-time tumor or a recurrent one, and the health and preference of the patient.

Patients who have had one occurrence of basal cell skin cancer have a 40% greater risk of developing new tumors in the next five years. The tumors can recur even when they appear to have been adequately treated. Therefore, even after successful treatment of basal cell carcinoma, patients should perform skin self examinations routinely and continue to see their physician for regular follow-up visits for several years to make sure that the growth has not recurred and also to check for new skin cancers.

More information

• The American Cancer Society on Skin Cancers
• The American Cancer Society – What Is Squamous and Basal Cell Skin Cancer?
• Medline Plus article on Basal Cell Carcinoma

Scientific references

1. Stacey et al., Common variants on 1p36 and 1q42 are associated with cutaneous basal cell carcinoma but not with melanoma or pigmentation traits. Nat Genetics 2008 October 12 [Epub ahead of print]

This content was last reviewed on February 09, 2010.