Basal Cell Carcinoma

What is a basalioma?

A basalioma or basal cell carcinoma is a semi malignant skin tumor in which the cells of the basal layer of the skin undergo degeneration. But as this tumor rarely spreads to other tissues of the body, it is termed semi malignant. At an incidence of 100-200 new cases annually per 100,000 inhabitants, basaliomas are the most common malignant skin tumor in Germany. It occurs particularly at an advanced age and in people with fair skin.

Causes of basalioma

Sun exposure and chemicals like arsenic are factors triggering the development of basal cell carcinoma or at least increase the risk. People with light skin, that is skin types I and II, run the risk of having a basal cell carcinoma during their lifetime, because they produce less melanin and are therefore more sensitive to UV radiation.

On which body parts can basal cell carcinomas appear?

Essentially, basaliomas can form on any part of the hairy skin of the body. The cells which become malignant originate from stem cells of hair follicles, hence only hairy skin areas can be affected. Most cases of basal cell carcinoma are found on the head or neck, because these are the areas of the skin that receive the most sun exposure.

Basal cell carcinoma symptoms: How to identify a basal cell carcinoma?

Especially in the head region, basal cell carcinoma looks like a skin-colored or reddish nodule, often with a depressed center. Very typical for this tumor are its so-called "rolled, non-tender borders" which are small glassy nodules at the margin of the tumor. Also, superficial telangiectasias, which are small vessels near the surface surrounding the tumor, are typical of basal cell carcinoma. Those small vessels can usually be easily seen using a microscope and can be of great diagnostic value. Basaliomas grow slowly and may keep the same structure over months or years.

How to remove a basal cell carcinoma?

There are many factors influencing the choice of treatment, such as the patient's age, the type of basal cell carcinoma, its size and its location. Surgical excision of basal cell carcinoma requires a certain safety margin in all directions to healthy tissue to ensure that the complete tumor is removed.

In case there is a reason not to remove the tumor, several methods can be considered:

• Electrodesiccation: Electric current used to heat up the tumor tissue.

• Cryotherapy: Treatment of the basal cell carcinoma with liquid nitrogen
• Radiotherapy: Destruction of tumor cells using high-energy radiation
• Laser surgery: Destruction of tumor cells by laser beams
• Photodynamic therapy: Destruction of tumor cells by low-energy light beams following chemical sensitization

• Local treatment with chemotherapeutic agents

Follow-up care of basal cell carcinoma patients

Today, most basal cell carcinomas can be removed completely and patients are cured. The development of secondary tumors is very unlikely. Nevertheless, most of the patients continue to have these risk factors, so regular check-ups by a dermatologist are recommended, increased sun exposure should be avoided and self-examination of the skin is encouraged.

Which doctors and clinics specialize in basal cell carcinoma?

The experts for basaliomas are specialists for dermatology and venereology. Patients can seek advice and receive treatment of their tumor in clinics for dermatology or in outpatient offices.

Let us help you find an expert for your condition. All doctors and clinics listed have been evaluated by us for their outstanding specialization in the field of basal cell carcinoma and are looking forward to your inquiry or request for treatment.