Basal Cell Carcinoma By: Jennifer Gough, Zac Hall, and Anna Lomov

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma? Affects the subcutaneous layer of the skin. A result of sun damage to the skin. Basal Cell Carcinomas enlarge slowly and steadily and can invade neighboring tissue, like the eye. But they do not usually spread throughout the rest of the body. (Metastasize) Symptoms (warning signs) include: -An open sore that bleeds, oozes or crusts, and remains open for three or more weeks. -A reddish patch or an irritated area frequently occuring on the chest, shoulders, arms or legs. Sometimes the patch crusts. It may also itch or hurt. -A shiny bump or nodule, often pink red or white.

Who is Most at Risk The people who are most at risk for Basal Cell Carcinoma are Whites of Celtic Ancestry. Men are more likely to get Basal Cell Carcinoma with a 2:1 to women People between the ages of 55 and 75 are also more like to get Basal Cell Carcinoma.

Preventing Basal Cell Carcinoma Since Basal Cell Carcinoma is caused by Ultra Violet Ray exposure, prevention depends mainly on protective clothing and the use of sunscreen. Ultra Violet Rays are most harmful during the hours between 10 AM and 4PM so using Protective means as those listed above are most important between these times.

Treating Basal Cell Carcinoma Radiotherapy is only used in cases where the tumor has either not fully formed or is advanced. Curettage is where the cancerous tumor is cut away along with some healthy tissue. Cyrotherapy is where extreme Coldness is used to freeze the cells and kill them. Abalation is where lasers or chemicals are used to cut away layers of the skin.