SKIN CANCER, BASAL-CELL |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Skin cancer affecting the skin's basal layer (the 5th layer). Basal-cell skin cancer invades areas under skin, but it does not spread to distant areas. Skin of the face, ears, backs of hands, shoulders and arms is most frequently affected.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMSA small skin lesion that does not heal in 3 weeks with the following characteristics:
The lesion appears flat and "pearly." Its edges are translucent and rounded or rolled. The edges may have small, curvy, new blood vessels. The ulcer in the center is dimpled. Lesion size varies from 4mm to 6mm, but it may grow larger if untreated.
The lesion occurs on skin that is exposed to the sun and shows evidence of sun damage.
The lesion grows slowly. It does not hurt or itch.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSSkin damage from sun that occurs many years prior to the cancer's appearance. Persons most at risk include:
Athletes who exercise, train and play outdoors.
Persons over age 60.
Persons with a fair skin complexion.
HOW TO PREVENTLimit exposure to sun. Protect skin from sun exposure with a head covering, clothing or sunscreen.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Pathological exam of tissue after removal to confirm diagnosis.
SURGERYUsually necessary. See "Medical Treatment" below.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESS Curable in 2 to 4 weeks if cancer is removed. This does not become life-threatening unless it is ignored completely.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSWithout treatment, cancers may enlarge, ulcerate and disfigure. Less than 1% spread to other sites, but they should be removed to prevent local damage.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTRemoval of cancer by one of the following methods. The treatment method is chosen in a doctor-patient conference:
Surgery in the doctor's office or an outpatient surgical unit of the hospital.
Electrosurgery (See Glossary).
Cryosurgery (See Glossary).
Radiation treatment.
HOME TREATMENTAfter surgery:
Apply rubbing alcohol to the scab twice a day.
Apply an adhesive bandage to the scab during the day. Leave it uncovered at night.
Remove the bandage to wash the wound. Dry gently and completely after bathing and swimming. Reapply the bandage until healed.
MEDICATIONAfter surgery:
For minor pain, you may use non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen or aspirin.
If the scab cracks or oozes, apply a non-prescription antibiotic ointment several times a day.
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to prevent wound infection.
ACTIVITYNo restrictions.
DIETNo special diet.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of basal-cell skin cancer.
The wound bleeds after surgery, and the bleeding cannot be stopped by applying pressure for 10 minutes.
The wound shows signs of infection, such as pain, redness, swelling or increased tenderness.
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