Causes:

Both long-term sun exposure over your lifetime and occasional extended, intense exposure (typically leading to sunburn) combine to cause damage that can lead to BCC. Almost all BCCs occur on parts of the body excessively exposed to the sun — especially the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back. On rare occasions, however, tumors develop on unexposed areas. In a few cases, contact with arsenic, exposure to radiation, open sores that resist healing, chronic inflammatory skin conditions, and complications of burns, scars, infections, vaccinations, or even tattoos are contributing factors. It is not possible to pinpoint a precise, single cause for a specific tumor, especially one found on a sun-protected area of the body or in an extremely young individual.

Dermatologists report that more and more people in their twenties and thirties are being treated for this skin cancer.

Workers in occupations that require long hours outdoors and people who spend their leisure time in the sun are particularly susceptible.

Treatments:

After the physician’s examination, the diagnosis of BCC is confirmed with a biopsy. In this procedure, the skin is first numbed with local anesthesia. A sample of the tissue is then removed and sent to be examined under a microscope in the laboratory to seek a definitive diagnosis. If tumor cells are present, treatment is required. Fortunately, there are several effective methods for eliminating BCC. Choice of treatment is based on the type, size, location, and depth of penetration of the tumor, the patient’s age and general health, and the likely outcome to his or her appearance.

Treatment can almost always be performed on an outpatient basis at Hospital.

Treatment options are below.

• Mohs Micrographic surgery
• Cryosurgery
• Laser Surgery
• Curettage electrodessication
• Excisional surgery
• Photodynamic Therapy(PDT)
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy