Other Skin Cancers

There are two other types of skin cancers: Basal Cell and Squamous Cell. Basal cell is the most common form of skin cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinomas

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is named for the round basal cells located in the lower part of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin), from which it arises. Like melanoma, the cancer has been increasing at a dramatic rate.

Prevalence and Risk Factors. Basal cell carcinoma occurs in 800,000 people every year, and 30% of people, almost exclusively Caucasians, can expect to have basal cell carcinoma, on average, by age 55. Some experts posit that genetic mutations caused by factors other than sunlight may also contribute to basal cell cancer.

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Interestingly, a 2001 study reported that people with more wrinkles were less likely to develop basal cell carcinomas, even among high-risk groups. Some experts suggest that people prone to wrinkles may respond to sun exposure with biologic mechanisms that protect against basal cell carcinoma. More research is needed confirm this.

Characteristics. The lesions usually develop later in life in areas that have received the most sun exposure, such as the head, neck and back, and especially the nose. About a third of basal cell carcinomas appear in areas not exposed to the sun.

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) have many different appearances:

They usually appear as a round area of thickened skin that does not change color or cause pain or itching.
Very slowly, the lesion spreads out and develops a slightly raised edge, which may be translucent and smooth. Infrequently, basal cell carcinomas resemble malignant melanomas in color.
Eventually, the center becomes hollowed and covered with a thin skin, which can become sore and open.
A form known as aggressive-growth basal cell carcinoma resembles a scar with a hard base. This is type is more likely to spread and must be treated very aggressively.

Basal cell cancer is a malignant skin tumor involving cancerous changes of basal skin cells. Basal cell skin cancers usually occur on areas of skin that are regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. Once a suspicious lesion is found, a biopsy is needed to prove the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma. Treatment varies depending on the size, depth, and location of the cancer. Early treatment by a dermatologist may result in a cure rate of more than 95%, but regular examination by a health care provider is required to watch for new sites of basal cell cancer.