Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is a malignant skin tumor that arises from basal cells and spreads to adjacent areas of the skin. Basal cells are elements of the epidermis - the upper layer of the skin. They have a spherical shape and promote the maturation of keratinocytes - special cells that form the cuticle of the outer layer of the skin and are responsible for protecting the skin from environmental influences and infections.

Basal cell cancer is the third most common cancer after skin cancer and melanoma. Most often, this form of cancer occurs in men over 50 years of age. The mechanism of development of Basal cell cancer is as follows: increased levels of radiation or exposure to ultraviolet rays trigger mechanisms of oncogene replication (the gene that is responsible for the development of cancer cells), resulting in cell division and tumor formation. During the development of this form of cancer, different types of tumors form on the skin, such as: papillary carcinoma, invasive superficial type and infiltrative-growing sclerosing tumor. The most vulnerable areas are: the face, neck and head, as well as the back of the hands.

The very first symptom of Basal Cell Cancer is usually the appearance of a small, bright red spot or ulceration that can vary in size and shape. Gradually, the size of such a spot will increase, and a lesion may form, next to which the skin may look dry and flaky, and dilation of blood vessels, primarily veins, is also noted. If the deep tissues of the skin are affected, then skin changes in the affected area may be observed, such as numbness, itching, hyperemia (redness), swelling in the affected area. As the disease progresses, new phenomena may appear, such as a hanging scab, purulent discharge, bleeding ulcers, scarring, etc. One of the common causes of death from this tumor is malignancy, i.e. destruction of healthy tissue and damage to internal organs. Moreover, basal cell tumors often exhibit early metastases, affecting lymph nodes and distant tissue sites. Also, patients who do not receive proper treatment due to late access to a doctor or due to the presence of concomitant diseases, such as hypertension and vitamin deficiency, may be beyond the survival line.