Basal cell carcinoma is a skin disease also known as a type of skin cancer. Being the most common type of human cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) presents a significant threat to the population due to its increased incidence (Cameron et al., 2019). This essay will provide a summary of currently available information on the topic of BCC concisely, focusing on the most critical aspects of the theme: epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment processes, and prevention methods.
Skin cancer is a condition characterized by an uncontrollable growth of an individual’s skin cells during which the skin cells could spread to other body parts. According to Cameron et al. (2019), the cases of BCC are increasing in incidence, and the risk of developing BCC varies from 20 to 30 percent among the white population. The frequent report of BCC among patients is an enlarged lesion that may sometimes bleed (Cameron et al., 2019). Although millions of people are diagnosed yearly with nonmelanoma skin cancers and the mortality rates are low, in cases of tumors greater than 2cm in size, the metastasis and death are significantly higher (Kim et al., 2019). Thus, a timely diagnosis of the disease could reduce the risks for the patient.
The treatment process for BCC tumors depends on several factors, including the risk of recurrent tumors. According to Kim et al. (2019), possible treatment methods include topical and systemic therapies and other treatment strategies involving surgical intervention, such as surgical excision. Currently, available and effective prevention methods focus on skin protection from UV radiation, especially among individuals prone to developing BCC.
In conclusion, this essay presents a summary of the most important information about basal cell carcinoma disease. As a type of skin cancer, BCC implies the excessive growth of an individual’s skin cells. The patients with BCC frequently report nonhealing raised skin areas. Individuals with fair skin are more likely to develop the condition; thus, they are recommended to protect the skin from UV radiation. A timely diagnosis of BCC could reduce the risks of metastasis and mortality outcomes.
References
Cameron, M. C., Lee, E., Hibler, B., Giordano, C. N., Barker, C. A., Mori, S., Cordova, M., Nehal, K. S., & Rossi, A. M. (2019). Basal cell carcinoma: Contemporary approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 80(2), 321-339.
Kim, D. P., Kus, K. J. B., & Ruiz, E. (2019). Basal cell carcinoma review. Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America, 33(1), 13–24.