Skin cancer is a disease that claims many victims and is also the most common type of cancer in Brazil. For those who don’t know, this disease has several types, with basal cell carcinoma being one of the most common and also deadly. But what are the symptoms? What causes basal cell carcinoma? How are the treatments done? If you want to learn more about the subject, read the article to the end and find out more about this very common type of skin cancer.
What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer in the world, being much more common in men than in women. It is a type of cancer that affects basal cells, in other words, a deeper layer of the epidermis. Remember that the epidermis is the uppermost layer of the skin, which means basal cell carcinoma does not reach the deeper layers and is not the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is a disease with low lethality, especially when detected early. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t worry or take preventive measures, of course. And for that, nothing is better than knowing more about the different types of basal cell carcinoma that exist.
Types of Basal Cell Carcinoma
As we mentioned earlier, basal cell carcinoma can be divided into a few types. Some of the most common are:
- Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Infiltrative Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma
We will explain each of them in more detail, pointing out their differences and the ways they manifest.
Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma
The nodular basal cell carcinoma, as the name suggests, is characterized by the appearance of a nodule, usually reddish, smooth, and painless. Also known as nodular-ulcerated, it typically has small blood vessels on its surface and can bleed easily. Another feature is that these small sores that appear may take a long time to heal. It is a type of malignant tumor that grows slowly, possibly taking up to 2 years to reach half a centimeter in diameter. Still, it is important that it is treated so that the disease does not progress and cause any serious consequences.
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
Superficial basal cell carcinoma is a less aggressive variation of this disease and presents features very similar to the others, such as a reddish or pink spot that may bleed easily and take a long time to heal.
Infiltrative Basal Cell Carcinoma
This variation of skin cancer is more aggressive than the ones mentioned earlier. In this case, the cancerous cells infiltrate among the collagen in the skin, which can make removal more complicated and require specific treatments.
Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma
This is a variation of the nodular basal cell carcinoma, but it appears as nodules that are black or brown, making it more similar to a melanoma, a more aggressive type of skin cancer. However, certain features like raised edges help make this distinction.
What Are the Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma is usually characterized by spots that have the appearance of small scars and that can vary in color, depending on the type. These spots usually appear in parts of the body that are more exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, neck, and ear area. Another feature of basal cell carcinoma is that it grows slowly and its sores also take quite a long time to heal.
How Is the Diagnosis Made?
The diagnosis of the disease is made through a biopsy, where the doctor removes a small piece of the tumor for analysis. Based on this exam, the doctor will determine which type of basal cell carcinoma it is and indicate the best treatment for each case. It is important to emphasize that the earlier a doctor is consulted, the greater the chances of a cure and of not having any serious sequelae from the disease. Therefore, it is important to be attentive to the signs and to keep your exams up to date so you are not caught by surprise.
What Are the Treatments?
A basal cell carcinoma can be treated in different ways, always depending on the type and stage of the tumor. Here are the main treatments:
- Micrographic Surgery: This is one of the most common ways to remove tumors and has one of the highest success rates. In addition to removing the tumor, this surgery also removes another part of the skin, called the “safety margin,” to prevent any remnants from being left behind.
- Curettage: Also known as “scraping,” this treatment is one of the simplest and is very effective for smaller tumors, typically at an early stage.
- Laser: Laser use for this type of tumor has become increasingly common as it is a very precise technique and efficient at various stages of the disease.
- Creams and ointments: In some cases, a doctor may prescribe the use of creams and ointments to treat basal cell carcinoma. This painless treatment has proven very effective, especially in early cases.
- Radiotherapy: This is a more intensive treatment, mainly used in older patients and those with more severe lesions. The main downside, in this case, is that if the tumor is recurrent, radiotherapy may not be as effective.
- Chemotherapy: Like radiotherapy, this is a type of treatment used in more severe cases. As with the previous example, it may be less effective when the tumor is recurrent.
Can Basal Cell Carcinoma Leave Sequelae?
First of all, it’s worth noting that basal cell carcinoma is the least lethal skin cancer in the world, but that does not mean you are free from the dangers it can cause. The main problem patients face are cosmetic issues, as parts of the body may be affected by the treatment. Depending on the affected area, it can cause problems. If the tumor is near the eye, for example, the patient’s vision may be affected if the treatment is not done correctly. Moreover, several factors such as the diameter of the lesion, its severity, and the type of basal cell carcinoma can influence the tumor’s likelihood of returning to your body. And although it is rarer, deaths from basal cell carcinoma do occur. Understanding more about different types of diseases is always important so you also know how to prevent and fight them in the best possible way, especially when it comes to a disease like basal cell carcinoma, which is relatively common in Brazil. Even though this is not the type of cancer with the toughest and lengthiest treatments, it still deserves special attention, after all, we are talking about a disease that can be deadly. As we have said before, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Therefore, understanding the causes and symptoms of basal cell carcinoma is also important for prevention. And that is, without a doubt, the best thing to do.
