1. Basal Cell Cancer Is Highly Treatable
Basal cell cancer, the most common form of cancer in the world, has one million new cases per year diagnosed in the US. It's easiest to treat with an early diagnosis. Basal cells line the deepest portion of the top layer of skin, and malignant tumors can grow there. Several types of basal cell skin cancer exist. Only 5 to 10 percent of basal cell skin cancer cases are difficult to treat, possibly invading bone or cartilage. Most cases of this skin cancer are not life-threatening, but can cause scars or disfigurement.
2. Sun Worshipers Beware
The sun is the culprit in about 90 percent of basal cell cancers. Not surprisingly, it occurs on areas of the skin that get the most sun exposure, such as the face, ears, shoulders, back, neck and scalp. Frequent sun exposure puts anyone at risk. However, other factors put some people at higher risk. Individuals who work outdoors, people with fair skin that burns easily and rarely tans, and residents in states that are closer to the equator all are at higher risk.
3. The Five Signs
Five basal cell cancer signs are most typical. It's also possible to have two of these characteristics in one area of the skin. Any open sore that does not heal for a few weeks is a common sign. An irritated or reddish patch of skin is suspect. This area might itch, hurt or crust. Another sign is a bump that is shiny or translucent. The color, which is usually pink, white or red, can be brown, black or tan in people with dark hair. The fourth sign is a growth that is pink, has a rolled border and a crusted indentation in the middle. Finally, a white, yellow or waxy area that looks like a scar is a characteristic of basal cell cancer. Always see your doctor if you have any changes in your skin.
4. A Biopsy Is Simple
If your doctor decides that she should perform a biopsy, she can do it right in her office. She will inject the area with a local anesthetic and wait a few minutes for it to become numb. She'll then remove a sample of the area to check for basil cell carcinoma. You'll only need a bandage, some instructions for care and about a week to heal.
5. The Treatment
If the biopsy comes back positive, your doctor has several options for treatment. He may want to use a procedure in which he removes the surface of the cancer and cauterizes the deeper portion with an electric needle. You and your doctor may also choose to excise the cancer. The doctor can use a cosmetic surgical technique to sew the skin back together. Several other options exist, and your doctor will discuss them with you.
