Basal cell carcinoma

Clinically presents as a pearly white papulo-nodule or firm plaque.

Patient usually has prominent solar damage or a history of considerable ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

Can be locally aggressive, but rarely metastasises.

Biopsy with histopathological evaluation is essential; findings are of dermal masses of varying sizes and shapes composed of basophilic cells with large oval rather uniform nuclei and scant cytoplasm. These masses exhibit a peripheral cell layer demonstrating a palisading pattern of nuclei.

Diagnosis of a cancer is histological; treatment varies.

Complications are unusual if this cancer is treated adequately.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin is a common neoplasm, related to exposure to sunlight.[1]Schwartz RA. Skin Cancer: Recognition and Management. 2nd edn. Blackwell, Oxford, United Kingdom, 2008.[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Nodular basal cell carcinoma on the cheek, on background of diffuse solar damage with marked solar elastosisFrom the collection of Robert A. Schwartz, MD, MPH, FACP, FAAD [Citation ends]. BCC has also been known as basal cell epithelioma, reflecting the fact that this neoplasm infrequently metastasises. It can be locally aggressive, but rarely metastasises. While certain factors can result in higher-grade behaviour, in most cases early detection and treatment have made extensive local invasion and destruction from this neoplasm a thing of the past.[2]Raasch BA, Buettner PG, Garbe C. Basal cell carcinoma: histological classification and body-site distribution. Br J Dermatol. 2006 Aug;155(2):401-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16882181?tool=bestpractice.com