Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is a common type of skin cancer caused by sun exposure. It appears as flesh-colored bumps or patches on the skin and can be diagnosed through visual examination or biopsy. Treatment options include surgery, topical medications, and radiation therapy. Prevention involves limiting sun exposure and using sunscreen. Early detection and treatment offer a favorable prognosis.
Best medications for Basal Cell Carcinoma
| Drug Name | Class | Route | Standard Dosage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrea | Antimetabolites | Oral | 500 MG | from$7.96 |
| Trexall | Antifolates | Oral | 7.5, 15, 5, 10 MG | from$1213.29 |
| Aldara | Immune Response Modifiers | External | 5 % | from$17.50 |
| Efudex | Nucleoside Metabolic Inhibitors | External | 5 % | from$28.76 |
| Odomzo | Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors | Oral | 200 MG | from$13849.79 |
| Methotrexate | Antifolates | Injection | 2.5, 250, 17.5, 7.5, 1, 15, 22.5, 20, 1000, 10, 5, 25, 50, 12.5, 30 GM | from$311.87 |
| Rozlytrek | Kinase Inhibitors | Oral | 200, 100 MG | from$6736.19 |
| Erivedge | Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors | Oral | 150 MG | from$14439.74 |
| Vitrakvi | Kinase Inhibitors | Oral | 25, 20, 100 MG | from$19650.19 |
| Valchlor | Alkylating Drugs | External | 0.016 % | from$5948.15 |
Introduction
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is a common type of skin cancer that arises from the basal cells in the outermost layer of the skin. It is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States, accounting for approximately 80% of all skin cancers. BCC usually develops on areas of the body exposed to the sun, such as the face, scalp, neck, and arms.
Causes
The primary cause of Basal Cell Carcinoma is long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds. Other risk factors include a history of blistering sunburns, fair skin, light-colored eyes, a weakened immune system, and a family history of skin cancer.
Symptoms
Basal Cell Carcinoma typically appears as a slow-growing, flesh-colored, or pinkish bump on the skin. It may also resemble a pearly white or waxy patch, a sore that doesn't heal, or a pink growth with raised edges and a central indentation. BCC rarely spreads to other parts of the body but can invade surrounding tissue if left untreated.
Diagnosis
A dermatologist or other healthcare professional can diagnose Basal Cell Carcinoma through a visual examination of the affected skin. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy involves removing a small sample of the suspicious tissue and examining it under a microscope.
Treatment
Several treatment options are available for Basal Cell Carcinoma, depending on the size, location, and aggressiveness of the tumor. These include:
Mohs surgery: This precise surgical technique involves removing thin layers of cancerous tissue one at a time until the entire tumor is removed.
Excisional surgery: The tumor is surgically excised, along with a small margin of healthy tissue surrounding it.
Curettage and electrodesiccation: The tumor is scraped with a curette (a spoon-shaped instrument) and then treated with an electric current to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
Cryosurgery: The tumor is frozen with liquid nitrogen, causing the abnormal cells to die.
Topical medications: Certain creams or gels can be applied to the skin to treat less aggressive BCCs.
Radiation therapy: High-energy X-rays are used to destroy cancer cells.
Prevention
Although it may not be possible to prevent Basal Cell Carcinoma entirely, the risk of developing this type of skin cancer can be minimized by taking the following precautions:
Limit sun exposure, especially during peak hours when the sun's rays are strongest.
Apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or above, even on cloudy days.
Wear protective clothing, such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses.
Avoid tanning beds and booths.
Regularly examine your skin for any changes or abnormalities and seek medical attention if any concerns arise.
Conclusion
Basal Cell Carcinoma is a prevalent form of skin cancer linked to sun exposure. With early detection and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for individuals with BCC is excellent. By adopting sun-protective behaviors and regularly monitoring their skin, individuals can reduce the risk of developing this type of cancer.