Basalioma (basal cell cancer)

Basal cell carcinoma is found with a frequency of about 80 % in the neck and head area, since it is triggered not only by a genetic predisposition but also by increased sun exposure of the skin. This is why it is one of the most frequent skin tumours in sunny countries. In Central Europe, the number of new cases per year is 100 per 100,000 inhabitants, the frequency peak is in the second half of life, women and men are equally affected.

The course is usually harmless, there is no tendency to form metastases. Therefore, the term >basal cell carcinoma< is preferred to the term >basal cell carcinoma<.

Development of basal cell carcinoma

Light skin types = low skin pigmentation combined with chronic UV exposure as well as long-term immunosuppressive medication are triggering factors. Historically also arsenic which was used as a tonic in former times.

Basal cell carcinoma develops slowly. Over months and years, it can destroy even deep tissue structures. As with all forms of skin cancer, diagnosis and treatment at the earliest possible stage is therefore extremely important for healing.

External features of basal cell carcinoma

Typically, basal cell carcinoma is characterized as a very slow-growing, skin-colored, hemispherical, dermal nodule with a pearly sheen that is covered by smaller reddish vessels. At a later stage it may then break open and ulcerate. Sometimes substance defects of different depths with nodular margins are found. There are also special forms with scar-like or eczema-like changes.

Typically, there is neither pain nor itching. This delays the diagnosis.

Experienced dermatologists recognize basaliomas by visual diagnosis and can differentiate them from other skin tumors with the help of a dermatoscope (reflected light microscope). A skin biopsy with microscopic examination is only necessary in rare cases.

There are a variety of good treatment options in the hands of experienced specialists to remove basal cell carcinoma:

- surgical removal

- cryotherapy

- curettage and electrocaustic tissue treatment

- laser surgery

- photodynamic therapy

- Radiotherapy

- Local immunotherapy for superficial basal cell carcinoma

Basaliomas can usually be removed quickly and without problems, but in some cases they can grow back. However, a medical follow-up at regular intervals is advisable, as new basaliomas can also appear on other parts of the body.

What can those affected do?

- Regularly observe the skin and have any changes clarified by a dermatologist as soon as possible.

- Wounds which do not heal are also suspicious and should therefore be examined.

- Basaliomas grow steadily, but extraordinarily slowly and they do not hurt or itch!