Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
BCC are the most frequently diagnosed cancers in Australia
and their incidence is increasing. Although there are
no firm figures regarding incidence, it has been estimated
that 256,000 Australians underwent treatment for BCC in
2002.1,4
BCC may be locally invasive but is generally slow to spread. Usually found on the head, neck and upper torso. As they grow they may ulcerate like a sore that will not heal. Less than 0.025% will become aggressive enough to spread to other sites in the body.5
There are three clinical types of BCC:
Superficial BCC
Superficial BCC is the least aggressive type and occurs most
often on the trunk and extremities, but can occur on the face.
Superficial BCC is sometimes mistaken for
eczema or psoriasis. These lesions are red, with a slightly
raised and sometimes crusted surface, often bordered with
pearly, thread-like formations. |
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Nodular BCC (nBCC)
The most common form of BCC, nodular lesions usually begin
as pearly white or pink dome-shaped papules varying in size.
The skin covering the nodule is often so thin that the slightest
injury will cause it to bleed. Easily recognised
in the nodular lesion are the blood vessels that become prominent
and visible through the thin upper layer of the skin as the
lesion enlarges. The lesion is often depressed in the centre
and shows ulceration. As the tumour grows, it destroys structures
in its path, including nerves and blood vessels and even bones
. Since smaller tumours can be difficult to diagnose and are
often mistaken for warts
or psoriasis they should be shown to a dermatologist.
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Morpheaform or fibrosing BCC
It is a less common but more aggressive form of BCC. Morpheaform looks like a smooth white or yellowish waxy scar. A very common sign of basal cell cancer is a sore that bleeds and heals, only to recur. |
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