The three most common types of malignant skin tumors are; Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Malignant Melanoma (the third most common). Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of the three, originating from basal cells. The tumor tends to appear on skin areas that are consistently exposed to sunlight (like face) and they are more common in regions where people are subjected to intense radiation from sunlight.

 

Basal cell carcinoma usually begins as a small waxy nodule. However, as it enlarges in size, it undergoes central ulceration and crusting.

 

Basal Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors

The following are risk factors that increases your chances of acquiring basal cell carcinoma:

 

Basal Cell Carcinoma Symptoms

Small waxy nodule or bump with pearly borders and visible blood vessels may be present. May also appears as shiny, flat, gray or yellowish looking plaques. In people with darker skin, the nodule may appear black or brownish.

 

Basal cell carcinoma is usually characterized by invasion and erosion of the adjoining tissues but it rarely metastasizes. 

 

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is a more severe form of skin cancer, originating on the epidermis (outer most layers of cells in the skin). It usually occurs on sun-exposed areas but it may also develop from a normal skin or from pre-existing skin scars or lesions, such as actinic keratosis. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is highly invasive and easily metastasize through lymphatic system or blood.

 

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Symptoms

Symptoms may include, a rough, thickened, scaly tumor. The tumor tends to be more invasive and may cause bleeding. Secondary infection may occur on the affected part. 

 

Diagnosis of Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Skin biopsy and histological evaluation - the doctor remove a sample of your infected skin for further examination and analyses in order to confirm whether you are having a skin cancer or not. To measure the size, staging and to determine the most effective approach to treat the tumor.

 

Treatment of Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The type of treatment given depends on the location of the tumor, the type of cell affected, depth, its invasion ability, previous treatment and patient preference. However, the main goal of any cancer treatment is to remove the tumor entirely.

 

Surgical management of both basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma include;

Mohs' Micrographic Surgery - One of the most accurate and effective type of surgery that involves removal of the cancerous tumor layer by layer. The doctor removes each layer and then examine it under a microscope in order to make sure no cancerous cells are left. Mohs' Micrographic surgery is the most recommended surgery for both basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.

 

Electrosurgery - Electrical energy is applied on the tissue to destroy the tumor, usually followed by excision of the tumor by use of a curette. 

 

Cryosurgery - A cold liquid nitrogen is applied to the tumor to freeze and destroy it. This method is usually effective if tumor is small and has not invaded deep inside the skin.

 

Surgery - Tumors can be removed through surgery. The doctor make an incision through your skin to remove the cancerous tumor by cutting it and then stitching (suturing) the skin back.  A reconstructive surgery may be needed, depending on the size and where the tumor is located.

 

Topical Application - Topical ointments may be used to treat basal cell carcinoma, since some of them tend to be very superficial and do not penetrate deep inside the skin.

 

Other ways to treat skin cancer is through a radiation therapy - a procedure where beams of intense energy is used to destroy the cancerous cells. One major problem with radiation therapy is that, both healthy and cancerous cells are destroyed, weakening the immune system even further.

 

Prevention of Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma