Written by: Jasmine Biju
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Lohi Pratti
The constant urging by dermatologists to apply sunscreen throughout the year is no vacuous suggestion. As a result of UV radiation exposure, numerous disorders and diseases can arise that propose a severe threat to overall health. In particular, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequently diagnosed form of cancer and the most occurring skin cancer. In fact, 3.6 million cases of BCC are diagnosed each year in the United States. The root cause of BCC is the uncontrolled division of genetically damaged basal cells.
The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin on the body which serves as protection from the outer environment. It is made up of five distinct layers: stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum. As the name suggests, BCC affects the stratum basal layer, which is also the innermost layer of the epidermis. The function of this layer is to continuously divide and push new cells to the outer surface of the skin. There are three primary types of BCC: superficial, nodular, and infiltrative. The most prevalent type is nodular BCC. It manifests as a pink, pearly papule with rolling edges and overlaying telangiectasias. Nodular BCC is slow-growing, and it frequently bleeds and ulcerates. BCC can be caused by UV and ionizing radiation exposure, as well as arsenic exposure. Of the types of UV radiation, UVB is the primary culprit of BCC, but UVA also plays a role. Risk factors for BCC include having a weakened immune system or a genetic predisposition and smoking.
The symptoms of BCC vary from patient to patient and type to type. Generally, BCC appears as red patches, sores, pink bumps, or scars. These growths often develop in regions of the body that are greatly exposed to UV radiation, such as the face. These lesions may itch, cause irritation, or bleed. Fortunately, BCCs are usually confined to one area and thus are curable. Therefore, it is imperative to seek treatment as soon as possible in order to prevent local invasion in which the BCC begins to attack healthy deep tissue and bone. Though treatments exist, particularly by extraction, it is important to avoid lingering as in some rare cases, BCC may become life-threatening.
The prevalence of BCC is slowly climbing as the diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancers has jumped by 77% from 1994 to 2014. In fact, about one in every three cancers that are diagnosed are skin cancers, numerous being BCC. Though BCC can be better contained as compared to other forms of cancers, it is important to take preventative measures to avoid the uprising of such diseases. It emphasizes the critical implications of UV light exposure and the importance of combating solar radiation through means such as sunscreen.
Image Source: Center for Surgical Dermatology & Dermatology Associates
References:
“Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer | Non-melanoma Skin Cancer.” American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer.html.
“Basal cell carcinoma - Symptoms and causes.” Mayo Clinic, 1 October 2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/basal-cell-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20354187.
Fagan, Jake, et al. “Basal Cell Cancer - StatPearls.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470301/.
Karen, Julie K., and Jamie Kleiman. “Basal Cell Carcinoma.” The Skin Cancer Foundation, https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/.
McDaniel, Brianna, et al. “Basal Cell Carcinoma - StatPearls.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482439/.
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