What’s basal cell carcinoma?

If you’re reading this, chances are high that you either know someone with basal cell carcinoma or (hopefully not) have it yourself. It can be a scary topic to broach, considering how many myths and misconceptions there are out there about the cancer.

But never fear! We’re here to give you all the research-backed information you need on one of the most common cancers out there.

Get Your Basics Straight

First things first: what exactly is basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that affects cells in the epidermis – which can be found at the base of hair follicles. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 5 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancers including BCC were diagnosed in 2021 alone.

This might sound pretty concerning, but keep in mind: while BCC should absolutely always be taken seriously, it’s also often highly treatable. So don’t freak out just yet!

Getting To Know You

It might seem kind of weird or gross to think about your own skin cells having little personalities and lifestyles…but hey, they kinda do! And if we want really understand something like BCC better, we’ve got to start by getting familiar with normal skin functions as well!

So let’s get some key terms down before diving deeper:

• Epidermis
• Basal Cells
• Mitosis
• Keratinocytes
• Melanocytes

We’ll only glance up these for now; we’ll come back to them later on once they become relevant again.

A Little Anatomy Recap

Before getting into any more detail around BCC specifically, let’s take minute remind ourselves on what goes into proper dermatological health:

As far as anatomy goes:

| Two main layers |

---

| Dermis | Epidermis |

Dermis: It’s a layer of your skin that consists primarily of fibers, cells, and ground substance. This is also the location that contains hair roots.

Epidermis: The outermost part of our skin, which acts as a barrier- keeping the body’s internal fluids in balance while protecting them from environmental hazards such as ultraviolet radiation or chemical insults.

Whichever layer you’re gazing on has an important job to do –so much so it gets its own subsection within this section!

Spreading Roots: Basal Cells

Basal cells like open spaces, meaning they can be found between other cells acting like glue holding cellular structure together. These functions give basal cells their special role because when dividing through mitosis (more on which later) they produce all cells needed for building and sustaining epidermis.

They sit at bottom-most section of the epidermal layers’ stratum germinativum-the grower-layer where new skin grows out from- doing vibrant work renewing itself.

A Primer On Skin Cancer

We usually think we know what constitutes normal and abnormal growth— just look at your fingernails! Did you know that in healthy people who suffer no traumatic mishaps nails will normally return completely back to original length over time provided there is enough keratinocyte activity? Now compare these processes with unchecked cell growth–aka cancerous tumors—and sudden unexpected transformations are revealed.

So when something starts changing faster than it should or without any real reason? That’s usually not good news.

Odds are high you’ve heard how UV rays—or “too much sunlight” generally speaking—is linked to various cancers including melanoma. As it turns out BCC doesn’t fit same bill exactly.

Risk Factors

Understanding risk factors for BCC may help encourage early detection.A actinic keratoses, those rough scaly patches that show up on the skin, can predict basal cell diagnosis.

Similarly Gorlin syndrome an inherited disorder characterized by exaggerated facial features and developmental delays- inclines to abnormal growths from greater chance of solar ray exposure.

So what makes basal cells go rogue when cancer develops?

While experts don’t know exactly how BCC forms, they are sure that mutations in certain genes number play a significant role. Some of these include:

• PTCH1
• TP53
• RB1

When gene sequences change extremely rapidly—too fast for body’s natural repair mechanisms to catch up with problems one might encounter unimaginable problem!

Types Of BCC

There are 4 main kinds:

1) Nodular – This is most common form treatment needs surgical removal.
2) Superficial – Usually appears red or scaly and has higher success rates than nodular requiring MOHS micrographic surgery. (where doctor shaves thin lines of tissue at affected site)
3) Pigmented/ Fibroepithelioma – Similar appearance with superficial but less responsive to therapies available first two types.
4) Morpheaform/Infiltrative– More aggressive growing lesions needing wide surgical excisions, may leave visible skin damage

Treatment Options

As stated earlier treatment options have varied outcomes based off which form being dealt with so educating oneself during early detection is more likely lead to favorable results.

Some examples:

Cryotherapy: Flash-Freezing method
Surgical Excision: Removal via operating room procedures
Electrodessication dose curettage (ED&C) : Scratching away through layers then burning remaining evidence

Again if disturbed upon recognizing anything odd about your dermal structure—it’s important reach out medical professional as soon possible! It cannot be over-emphasized that timely reporting changes is key tipping point and ultimate survival.

When In Doubt, Have It Checked Out

We hope this rundown of basal cell carcinoma has been both informative and (dare we say it) entertaining! While skin cancer is certainly nothing to mess around with, a lot of the scare tactics out there aren’t exactly helping anyone’s emotional health.

So remember: stay educated about your skin, keep an eye on any past sun damage or scarring that might be indicators for future issues (Vitamin D for days? Check. Beachy tan? Protip.. also complicit in cancer!) Do Not hesitate report anything curious going on sure yours parts are functioning at their optimal level—no more no less.

As always make sure remain sun protected when outdoors., topping those lids off with head covering, trying get shade as much possible- adopting non greasy waterproof sunscreen brands..

Cheers to good health y’all!