What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of nonmelanoma skin cancer globally, predominantly affecting fair-skinned adults. It arises from the basal cells, which are located in the lowest layer of the epidermis. BCC is characterized by its slow growth and low potential for metastasis, making it less aggressive compared to other skin cancers like melanoma1 2 3.

Types of Basal Cell Carcinoma

The World Health Organization classifies BCC into aggressive and nonaggressive forms. The nonaggressive variants include primary nodular and superficial BCC. Nodular BCC typically presents as a pearly or waxy bump, often with visible blood vessels, while superficial BCC appears as a flat, scaly, reddish patch1 2.

Incidence and Risk Factors

BCC is the most frequently diagnosed skin cancer, with its incidence continuing to rise worldwide. The primary risk factors include prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, fair skin, age, and a history of sunburns. Genetic predispositions, such as mutations in the PTCH1 gene, also play a significant role in the development of BCC2 4 6.

Pathophysiology

BCCs exhibit aberrant activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which is crucial for cell growth and differentiation. Mutations in the PTCH1 gene, a tumor suppressor gene, lead to the constitutive activation of this pathway, promoting the uncontrolled proliferation of basal cells. This pathway’s dysregulation is a hallmark of BCC, particularly in cases associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS)4 6 8.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with BCC often present with lesions that vary in appearance depending on the subtype. Nodular BCCs are typically shiny, flesh-colored nodules, while superficial BCCs are flat, erythematous patches. These lesions are most commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, neck, and arms1 2 3.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of BCC is primarily clinical, supported by dermoscopic examination and confirmed through histopathological analysis. Techniques such as multispectral dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy, and high-definition optical coherence tomography are increasingly used to enhance diagnostic accuracy10.

Conclusion

Basal Cell Carcinoma is a prevalent and generally non-aggressive form of skin cancer with a strong association with UV exposure and genetic factors. Understanding its types, risk factors, and pathophysiology is crucial for early detection and effective management.

Disclaimer

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