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Basal cell carcinoma - Overview

Alternative Names

Basal cell skin cancer; Rodent ulcer; Skin cancer - basal cell; Cancer - skin - basal cell; Nonmelanoma skin cancer; Basal cell NMSC

Definition of Basal cell carcinoma:

Basal cell carcinoma is a slow-growing form of skin cancer.

Skin cancer falls into two major groups: Nonmelanoma and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Basal cell carcinoma, or basal cell skin cancer, is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Most skin cancers are basal cell cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma starts in the top layer of the skin called the epidermis. Most basal cell cancers occur on skin that is regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. This includes the top of your head, or scalp.

Basal cell skin cancer is most common in people over age 40. However, it occurs in younger people, too.

You are more likely to get basal cell skin cancer if you have:

Light-colored or freckled skin
Blue, green, or grey eyes
Blond or red hair
Overexposure to x-rays or other forms of radiation
Many moles
Close relatives who have or had skin cancer
Many severe sunburns early in life
Long-term daily sun exposure (such as the sun exposure people who work outside receive)

Reviewed last on: 7/26/2011
Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Basal cell and squamous cell cancers. NCCN Medical Practice Guidelines and Oncology.V.1.2009. Accessed July 15, 2009.

Neville JA, Welch E, Leffell DJ. Management of nonmelanoma skin cancer in 2007. Nat Clin Pract Oncol. 2007;4(8):462-469.

Eigentler TK, Kamin A, Weide BM, et al. A phase III, randomized, open label study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream applied thrice weekly for 8 and 12 weeks in the treatment of low-risk nodular basal cell carcinoma. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007;57(4):616-621.

Hexsel CL, Bangert SD, Hebert AA, et al. Current sunscreen issues. 2007 Food and Drug Administration sunscreen labelling recommendations and combination sunscreen/insect repellant products. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;59:316-323.

Lautenschlager S, Wulf HC, Pittelkow MR. Photoprotection. The Lancet [early online publication]. May 3, 2007.

Ridky TW. Nonmelanoma skin cancer. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007;57:484-501.

Wood GS, Gunkel J, Stewart D, et al. Nonmelanoma skin cancers: basal and squamous cell carcinomas. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKenna WG, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone;2008:chap 74.

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