Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is a skin cancer arising from basal cells in the epidermis. It usually grows slowly, damages nearby tissue, and rarely spreads to distant organs.

Basal cell: A dividing cell in the deepest layer of the epidermis that helps replenish the skin’s outer layers. This cancer develops from cells of this type.
Skin biopsy: Removal of a skin sample for examination under a microscope. Microscopic examination confirms whether a suspected lesion is basal cell carcinoma.
Nodular basal cell carcinoma: The most common basal cell carcinoma subtype, often appearing as a pearly papule with visible blood vessels. Its characteristic appearance is a familiar presentation of the disease.
Metastasis: The spread of cancer cells from an original tumor to distant sites in the body. Distant spread is rare in this cancer, despite its ability to invade locally.
Melanoma: A cancer of melanocytes that can spread rapidly and cause death if not detected and treated early. It arises from a different epidermal cell and has a much greater tendency to metastasize.
Ultraviolet radiation: Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light, including UVA and UVB. UV exposure causes DNA damage that contributes to tumor formation.
Dermoscopy: A noninvasive examination of skin lesions using magnification and polarized or nonpolarized light. It helps clinicians assess suspicious lesions before deciding whether to biopsy.
Superficial basal cell carcinoma: A basal cell carcinoma subtype that grows mainly along the epidermis and often appears as a thin, scaly patch. Its shallow growth can make topical treatments appropriate in selected cases.
Ultraviolet index: A scale describing the strength of sunburn-producing ultraviolet radiation at a particular place and time. UV exposure is a major preventable contributor to the disease.
Merkel cell carcinoma: A rare, aggressive skin cancer associated with Merkel cells and often linked to Merkel cell polyomavirus or ultraviolet exposure. It is a less common skin cancer with substantially more aggressive behavior.

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