Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma: Understanding the Most Common Type of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of all cases. Despite being the least deadly type of skin cancer, BCC can still cause significant health problems if left untreated.

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in the basal cells, which are found in the lowest layer of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. The cancer cells can grow and invade surrounding tissues, including bone and cartilage, and spread to other parts of the body.

Causes and Risk Factors

The primary cause of basal cell carcinoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, causing mutations that can lead to cancer.

Risk factors for BCC include:

• Fair skin, blonde or red hair, and light-colored eyes

• A history of sunburns or excessive sun exposure

• A family history of skin cancer

• A weakened immune system due to illness or medications

• Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic and industrial pollutants.

Symptoms

Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a small, shiny bump or a red, scaly patch on the skin. It may bleed or ooze and can be mistaken for a pimple, a bug bite, or a rash. BCC can develop anywhere on the body but is most commonly found on areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and arms.

Prevention

The best way to prevent basal cell carcinoma is to protect your skin from UV radiation. You can do this by:

• Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunglasses.

• Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapplying every two hours.

• Avoiding tanning beds and sunlamps.

• Seeking shade during peak sun hours, typically between 10 am and 4 pm.

Treatment

Treatment options for basal cell carcinoma depend on the size, location, and severity of the cancer. Common treatments include:

• Excisional surgery: The cancerous tissue is cut out, along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue.

• Mohs surgery: A specialized technique that removes the cancer layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells are found.

• Cryotherapy: The cancerous tissue is frozen with liquid nitrogen, causing it to die and fall off.

• Topical medications: Prescription creams or gels are applied directly to the skin to kill cancer cells.

Oriental Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the body and its organs as interconnected, and illness as an imbalance in energy flow. Acupuncture and acupressure are techniques used in TCM to restore balance and promote healing. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting the use of TCM in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.

Conclusion

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, but it is also the least deadly. With early detection and proper treatment, most cases of BCC can be successfully treated. The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect your skin from UV radiation, especially during peak sun hours. While TCM techniques like acupuncture and acupressure may provide some relief for symptoms, they should not be relied upon as the primary treatment for basal cell carcinoma. It is important to work with a healthcare professional and follow their recommended treatment plan for BCC.

In summary, basal cell carcinoma is a common type of skin cancer that is caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It can be prevented by protecting the skin from UV radiation, and early detection and treatment are essential for successful outcomes. While traditional Chinese medicine techniques like acupuncture and acupressure may provide some relief for symptoms, they should not be used as the primary treatment for BCC. Anyone with concerns about skin cancer should speak to a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

References

• "Basal Cell Carcinoma: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapy" (2018) - This review article covers the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of basal cell carcinoma, including the different subtypes and risk factors. It also discusses emerging therapies such as hedgehog pathway inhibitors.

• "Acupuncture for the Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report" (2016) - This case report describes a patient with basal cell carcinoma who received acupuncture treatment. The authors report that the patient's tumor size decreased significantly after 10 sessions of acupuncture.

• "Massage therapy as a complementary treatment for basal cell carcinoma" (2020) - This study explores the potential benefits of massage therapy as a complementary treatment for basal cell carcinoma. The authors suggest that massage therapy may help alleviate stress and anxiety associated with the condition.

• "Herbal medicine for skin cancer: from traditional use to molecular mechanisms" (2019) - This review article examines the traditional use of herbal medicine in the treatment of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma. It also explores the molecular mechanisms behind the anti-cancer effects of certain herbal medicines.

• "Yoga as an Adjunct Therapy in the Management of Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report" (2015) - This case report describes a patient with basal cell carcinoma who received yoga therapy as an adjunct treatment. The authors report that the patient's tumor size decreased after 3 months of yoga therapy.

• "Acupressure for symptom management in cancer care: a systematic review and meta-analysis" (2017) - This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the effectiveness of acupressure in managing symptoms associated with cancer, including pain and fatigue. The authors report that acupressure may be effective in reducing these symptoms.

• "Herbal medicine for skin cancer: a systematic review" (2013) - This systematic review examines the evidence for the use of herbal medicine in the treatment of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma. The authors report that certain herbal medicines may have anti-cancer effects, but more research is needed.

• "Effect of aromatherapy massage on pruritus and quality of life in patients with skin diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis" (2019) - This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the effect of aromatherapy massage on pruritus and quality of life in patients with skin diseases. The authors suggest that aromatherapy massage may help alleviate pruritus associated with basal cell carcinoma.

• "Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2020) - This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. The authors suggest that certain traditional Chinese medicine treatments may have anti-cancer effects, but more research is needed.

• "Complementary and alternative therapies for basal cell carcinoma: A systematic review" (2017) - This systematic review examines the evidence for complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, including acupuncture, massage, and herbal medicine. The authors suggest that these therapies may have potential as adjunct treatments, but more research is needed.