CONDITIONS

What is basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is a frequently occurring type of skin cancer that arises from the abnormal, rapid spread of basal cells. Normally, basal cell carcinomas are slow-growing, meaning they can be treated when caught early.

Basal cell carcinomas resemble open sores, pink growths, scars, red patches on the skin and glistening bumps.

What causes basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma occurs due to overexposure to ultraviolet rays from tanning or too much sunlight exposure. Exposure to the sun in excess can trigger changes in the skin’s outermost cells (basal cells), leading to rapid cellular growth.

The following factors increase the risk of basal cell carcinoma:

• Overexposure to the sun
• Radiation therapy for acne or other types of skin conditions increases the likelihood of basal cell carcinoma.
• People who sunburn easily
• Age plays a role as more people in their 20s and 30s are developing this type of
• History of basal cell carcinoma
• A history of skin cancer that runs in the family
• Immunosuppressant medication
• Rare genetic illnesses can increase the risk of basal cell carcinoma

What are the related symptoms?

• Translucent bumps on the skin
• Black, blue or brown skin lesions
• Scaly, flat patches on the skin’s surface
• Waxy white lesions resembling scars

What are the possible treatment options for basal cell carcinoma?

First, Dr Ndongeni will perform a skin biopsy, which entails removing a portion of the skin lesion for testing. The results from your biopsy will reveal if you have cancer and determine the type of skin cancer.

Cancer treatment aims to eradicate basal cell carcinoma completely. The treatment method depends on the type, stage, size, and location of the skin tumour. Surgery involves removing skin cancer and a healthy margin of tissue. Surgical excision is normally recommended for skin cancer that is unlikely to recur, which is common when basal cell carcinoma only forms on the feet, hands, chest and back.

Other types of treatments for basal cell carcinoma include the following:

• Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze abnormal basal cells. Cryosurgery remains a treatment option when thin (superficial) basal cell carcinomas are present.
• Mohs surgery involves removing skin layers, layer by layer. Afterwards, the layers are examined individually; this is done to ensure no abnormal cells remain. Mohs surgery is done when there is a greater risk of basal cell carcinoma or if cancer penetrates deep tissue or forms on the face.

Doctors treat basal cell carcinoma with surgical resection to remove all the cancerous cells. The type of treatment varies in each case, depending on the extent of the cancer and its grade.  

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