Basal cell carcinoma is the common form of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinomas on the skin from sun damaged. Basal cell carcinomas enlarge slowly and steadily and can invade nearby tissue, but generally are not available in remote parts of the body.

The only way to know for sure if the skin is the growth of cancer is a biopsy, he said. This involves removing a small piece of skin and having a pathologist look at it under a microscope in medical laboratory. The biopsy does not remove the tumor is removed only at the top.

Some times the skin to heal after the biopsy because the cancer grows. This does not mean that there is cancer it means that cancer is now covered with a blanket of skin. If the cancer is not completely removed can go deep into the skin and cause severe damage.

Signs and symptoms

Patients present with a shiny, pearly nodule. However, superficial basal-cell cancer can present as a red patch like eczema. Infiltrative or morpheaform basal-cell cancers can present as a skin thickening or scar tissue. It is often difficult to distinguish basal-cell cancer from acne scar, actinic elastosis, and recent cryodestruction inflammation.

The Major Cause

In a few cases, contact with arsenic, exposure to radiation, open sores that resist healing, chronic inflammatory skin conditions, and complications of burns, scars, infections, vaccinations, or even tattoos are contributing factors.

Almost all basal cell carcinomas occur on parts of the body excessively exposed to the sun . On rare occasions, however, tumors develop on unexposed areas.

Prognosis

Prognosis is excellent if the appropriate method of treatment is used in early primary basal-cell cancers. Recurrent cancers are much harder to cure, with a higher recurrent rate with any methods of treatment. Although basal-cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes, it grows locally with invasion and destruction of local tissues.

The cancer can impinge on vital structures like nerves and result in loss of sensation or loss of function or rarely death. The vast majority of cases can be successfully treated before serious complications occur. The recurrence rate for the above treatment options ranges from 50 percent to 1 percent or less.

Prevention

The best way to prevent skin cancer is to reduce your exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet light is most intense at midday, so try to avoid sun exposure during these hours. Protect the skin by wearing hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants.

Use sunscreen:

  • Look for sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB light.
  • Apply high-quality sunscreens with SPF ratings of at least 15.
  • Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside.