What is basal cell carcinoma (rodent ulcer)?

Basal cell carcinoma - affecting the skin -  is the most common type of cancer in humans. Luckily, it is very rarely a threat to life.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) typically affects people of fair complexion who have had a lot of sun exposure or repeated episodes of sunburn. The tendency to develop BCCs may be inherited. BCCs can vary in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter. They usually grow slowly over months or years.

Types

Nodular BCC
Nodular BCCs are often found on the face. It presents as a small translucent growth, often with rolled edges. It may be pigmented (brown), or there may be small blood vessels on the surface. It may become an open sore (ulcer), or bleed spontaneously then seem to heal over.

Superficial BCCs
Superficial BCCs are often multiple, most often on the upper trunk or shoulders. They are shiny pink or red slightly scaly patches.

Morphoeic BCCs
Morphoeic BCCs are the most difficult to diagnose and difficult to get rid of. They look like a skin-coloured, rather waxy, thickened scar.

Treatment

The treatment for a BCC depends on its type, size and location, the number to be treated and the preference or expertise of the doctor.

Possibilities include:

• Excision: The lesion is cut out and the skin stitched up.
• Freezing (cryotherapy): Dermatologists sometimes use liquid nitrogen with a special technique.
• Shave, curettage, & cautery (and other similar techniques): Many skin cancers can be successfully removed by removing just the top layers of the skin. The wound usually heals rapidly without needing stitches.
• Plastic surgery: Patients with larger lesions or one in a difficult site may be referred to a dermatologic surgeon or a plastic surgeon. He or she may create a flap or graft to repair the defect after excision.
• Radiotherapy (x-ray treatment): Radiotherapy can be used for some BCCs, usually on the face.

Afterwards

Whatever the chosen treatment, BCC can nearly always be cured. BCCs can occasionally come back at the same site, but they can be treated again safely. If you have had one BCC, you have an increased risk of developing another one. Early treatment means easier treatment and less scarring.

Protect your skin from the sun at all times by covering up with a hat and clothing, avoiding the hottest part of the day and using a SPF 15+ sunscreen. Arrange a complete skin examination from time to time. Ask your dermatologist or doctor to check any persisting or growing lumps or sores.

Original material provided by the Cancer Society of New Zealand. Edited by everybody.