Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Danielle Robbins
Abstract
This paper briefly describes basal cell carcinoma. Several scientific studies and articles are referenced to further present the causes, symptoms, tests, treatments, and prognosis of basal cell carcinoma. Also included in this paper are the different types of basal cell carcinoma and the populations that are affected.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a skin cancer that starts in the epidermis (Medline Plus, 2012). The Skin Cancer Foundation defines BCC as an “abnormal, uncontrolled growth or lesion that arises in the skin’s basal cells, which line the deepest layer of the epidermis” (2012). BCC is a significant health problem, with an estimated 2.8 million cases diagnosed each year (Dogan, 2007). It is the most common type of cancer found in humans, and accounts for 75% of all cancers (Skelton, 2009). There are several factors that contribute to the cause of BCC. These factors include, light colored skin, light colored eyes, blonde or red hair, overexposure to x-rays or radiation, many moles, genetics, many severe sunburns early in life, and long term daily sun exposure (Medline Plus, 2012). Individuals with light colored skin, hair, and eyes have poor tanning abilities and are more likely to have sun-damaged skin (Roewart-Hober, 2007). Radiation therapy in childhood for ringworm on a 58 year old patient caused an aggressively growing BCC that took over most of the posterior scalp (Asilian, 2005). Genetics also contribute to your likelihood of getting a BCC. A family history of skin cancer can increase your chances of having a BCC (Skelton, 2009). Also, there is several inherited and acquired skin disorders associated with BCC. These disorders include xeroderma pigmentosum, nevoid basal cell syndrome, Bazex-syndrome, Rasmussen syndrome, Rombo syndrome, and albinism (Roewert-Hober, 2007). Although there are several contributing factors to BCC, the number one cause is sun exposure and other ultraviolet
Danielle Robbins
Abstract
This paper briefly describes basal cell carcinoma. Several scientific studies and articles are referenced to further present the causes, symptoms, tests, treatments, and prognosis of basal cell carcinoma. Also included in this paper are the different types of basal cell carcinoma and the populations that are affected.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a skin cancer that starts in the epidermis (Medline Plus, 2012). The Skin Cancer Foundation defines BCC as an “abnormal, uncontrolled growth or lesion that arises in the skin’s basal cells, which line the deepest layer of the epidermis” (2012). BCC is a significant health problem, with an estimated 2.8 million cases diagnosed each year (Dogan, 2007). It is the most common type of cancer found in humans, and accounts for 75% of all cancers (Skelton, 2009). There are several factors that contribute to the cause of BCC. These factors include, light colored skin, light colored eyes, blonde or red hair, overexposure to x-rays or radiation, many moles, genetics, many severe sunburns early in life, and long term daily sun exposure (Medline Plus, 2012). Individuals with light colored skin, hair, and eyes have poor tanning abilities and are more likely to have sun-damaged skin (Roewart-Hober, 2007). Radiation therapy in childhood for ringworm on a 58 year old patient caused an aggressively growing BCC that took over most of the posterior scalp (Asilian, 2005). Genetics also contribute to your likelihood of getting a BCC. A family history of skin cancer can increase your chances of having a BCC (Skelton, 2009). Also, there is several inherited and acquired skin disorders associated with BCC. These disorders include xeroderma pigmentosum, nevoid basal cell syndrome, Bazex-syndrome, Rasmussen syndrome, Rombo syndrome, and albinism (Roewert-Hober, 2007). Although there are several contributing factors to BCC, the number one cause is sun exposure and other ultraviolet
References: Asilian, A., & Tamizifar, B. (2005). Aggressive and Neglected Basal Cell Carcinoma. Dematologic Surgery, 31(11), 1468-1471. Basal Cell Carcinoma. (N.D.) retrieved September 28, 2012 from http:/www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000824.htm Basal Cell Carcinoma. (N.D.) retrieved September 28, 2012 from http:/www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma. Dogan, G.(2007). Basal cell carcinoma in ourdoor versus indoor workers in Turkey. International Journal Of Dermatology, 46(1), 43-46. Doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2006.03042.x Goldberg, Leonard H.( 1996). Basal Cell Carcinoma. The Lancet 347.9002 Roewert-Huber, J.J., Lange-Asschenfeldt, B.B., Stockfleth, E.E., & Kerl, H.H. (2007). Epidemiology and aetiology of basal cell carcinoma. British Journal of Dermatology, 15747-51. Skelton, L. (2009). The effective treatment of basal cell carcinoma. British Journal of Nursing, 18(16), 346-35-350.