Non-melanoma skin cancers form in the the upper layers of skin – and basal cell carcinoma is one of them. What are the signs of this type of cancer?
Healthcare provider Bupa explained that basal cell carcinoma (BCC) starts in the basal cells – where new skin cells are formed.
It’s the most common form of skin cancer, with around 75,000 people diagnosed with the condition each year in the UK.
When examining a new mark on the skin, the defining features of basal cell carincoma include the following:
Small, pale slow-growing lumps or ulcers, often with small blood vessels around them; a scaly, red plaque (bumpy patch of skin).
The area of skin may be broken, and crust and bleeds; the area may heal then ulcerate (i.e. break the skin) repeatedly.
A biopsy ordered by your GP is necessary in order for a skin cancer diagnosis to be made.
Most of the time, BCC can be treated with minor surgery; for example, excision may be performed.
An excision removes the cancer, alongside some of the surrounding healthy tissue. This is to ensure the cancer is completely removed.
READ MORE: The sensation when urinating that could signal prostate cancer
When the surgeons observe no cancer cells in the removed layer of skin, treatment has finished.
Curettage and electrocautery involves cutting away the affected part of the skin, then using an electric needle to destroy any cancer cells left behind.
This specialised technique is usually administered three times in one session.
Non-surgical procedures may also be considered, including cryotherapy, which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the cancer cells.
Bupa explained: “Having a lot of exposure to the sun over time puts you at greater risk of developing a cancer.”
As we delve towards winter, previous suntanning could be the culprit behind skin cancer formed in the colder months.
Non-melanoma skin cancer, such as BCC, are curable and very rarely life-threatening.
This is because BCCs tend to not spread to other parts of the body. However, quick treatment is advisable.
For the latest news and updates, follow us and if you like our efforts, consider sharing this story with your friends, this will encourage us to bring more exciting updates for you.