Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in humans. BCC is caused by cumulative sun damage (specifically UV light) and/or chemical exposure (e.g. arsenic). It is much more common in fair skinned individuals and males (men more commonly work outdoors). In the United States alone there are more than 400,000 new cases yearly. It develops in the basal cell layer of the skin and can be very destructive and disfiguring. It is a slow growing cancer that occurs mainly on hair-bearing and sun exposed skin areas. There are different types of basal cell carcinomas which can look very different, but most commonly the carcinoma begins as a shiny papule that shows a pearly translucent border after months or even years with engorged superficial vessels. Basel cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes, but invades healthy tissue in the proximity. Rarely the cancer can impinge on vital structures and result in death.