Basal Cell Carcinoma

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it?

• Basal cell carcinoma (kahr-si-NOH-mah) or "BCC" is a slow growing type of skin cancer. Skin cancer occurs when cancer cells are found in the layers of the skin. Normal cells divide (split) in a planned way, making more cells only when needed. Cancer cells grow and divide without control or order, often making a lump or bump. This lump or bump is called a tumor. Some cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, but basal skin cancer cells usually do not.
  
  
• Most skin cancer shows up after a person is 40 to 50 years old. BCC is found more often in fair skinned, light-haired people who are in the sun a lot. Farmers, ranchers, and golfers are examples of people who are more likely to get skin cancer.

What causes BCC? The main cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Sun lamps and tanning booths that use man-made UV rays can also cause skin cancer. People who have been around certain chemicals a lot may have a greater chance of getting skin cancer. People who have a weak immune system have a higher risk. People may have weak immune systems if they have had an organ transplant or have certain diseases. If others in your family have BCC, you are more likely to get it also.

What are the signs and symptoms of BCC? Common warning signs include a sore that does not heal or a new raised bump on the skin, called a tumor. This tumor usually looks smooth, shiny, pale, or waxy. Another kind of bump may look like a scar. The scar-like bump usually looks red and feels hard. BCC is most often on the neck, face, or back of hands since this skin is in the sun more. Skin cancer also shows up often on the arms, chest, and upper back.

How is BCC diagnosed and treated? You may first need a biopsy to have a piece of the tumor or sore removed. The tissue is sent to a lab for tests to see if cancer cells are present. Once cancer cells are found, tests are done to find out what type of cancer it is and how much it has grown. The tumor or sore may need to be removed using heat, surgery, laser therapy, or freezing. BCC may also be treated with radiation or chemotherapy. If a large area of skin is removed, you may need a skin graft to help the wound close and heal.

How can I take care of my skin?

• Do not use tanning booths. These can damage your skin as much as the sun.
  
  
• Look for new bumps on your skin once a month. A mole is a small, dark bump on the skin. Most normal moles appear on your skin by the time you are 30 to 40 years old. A mole that shows up after 30 years of age should be watched closely for changes. Know what your regular birthmarks and moles look like.
  
  
• Protect your skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.
  
  
  • Wear sunscreen that has an SPF (sun protectant factor) of 15 or higher. The sunscreen should also have UVA and UVB protection. Follow the directions on the label when using sunscreen. Reapply (put on more) sunscreen if you are in the sun for more than an hour. Also reapply sunscreen often if you go swimming or are sweating a lot.
    
    
  • Stay out of the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM. The sun is strongest and most damaging to your skin between these times. The sun is also strongest in the summer. Sun reflecting off of snow, concrete, or sand can be harmful too.
    
    
  • Protect your lips by using lipsticks and lip balms that have sunscreen in them.
    
    
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect your arms and legs when you are out in the sun. Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect both your face and neck.
    
    
  • It is very important for parents to protect their children's skin from sun exposure and burns.

For support and information:

• Accepting that you have cancer is hard. You and those close to you may feel angry, sad, or frightened. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings and let them help you. Encourage those close to you to talk to your caregiver about how things are at home. Your caregiver can help your family better understand how to support to a person with cancer.
  
  
• You may also want to join a cancer support group. Ask your caregiver for the names and numbers of support groups. Contact one of the following national organizations for more information.

• American Cancer Society
  Phone: 1-800-227-2345
  Web Address: http://www.cancer.org
  

• National Cancer Institute
  Phone: 1-800-422-6237
  Web Address: http://www.cancer.gov
  

• The Skin Cancer Foundation
  245 5th Avenue, Suite 1403
  New York, NY 10016
  Phone: 1-800-754-6490
  Web Address: www.skincancer.org
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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