The most common form of skin cancer

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin is a common neoplasm, related to exposure to sunlight

It can be locally aggressive, but rarely metastasises. While certain factors can result in higher-grade behaviour, in most cases early detection and treatment have made extensive local invasion and destruction from this neoplasm a thing of the past.

Risk factors:

• UV radiation/sun exposure
• Skin type
• Carcinogens - ionising radiation, arsenic, hydrocarbons
• Immunosuppression
• Age
• Genetic defects - Xeroderma pigementosum
• Hx of non-melanoma skin cancer

PC

*Presence of risk factors

The following signs are characteristic of BCC :

• Papules with pearly edges and associated telangiectasia
  • T - Telangiectasia
  • U - Ulceration
  • R - Rolled edges
  • P - Pearly edge
• Plaques, nodules, tumours with rolled borders
• small crusts and non-healing wounds/scabs