Basal cell carcinoma

Sunlight is the biggest risk factor for the development of basal cell carcinoma. Previous X-ray radiation can also lead to a basal cell carcinoma in the irradiated area later on. In a small number of people, hereditary predisposition plays a role.

Basal cell carcinoma often does not cause any symptoms. Sometimes the skin may be itchy or tender. Basal cell carcinoma can look different ways. Usually it starts as a smooth, glassy lump in which small blood vessels can sometimes be seen. The lump can also be brown in color. After a while, this lump can open and bleed. Then an ulcer develops. On the body, basal cell carcinoma can look like eczema. The lump can itch and be sensitive, but it doesn't have to be.

Basal cell carcinoma almost never metastasizes to other parts of the body. The tumor usually grows slowly and often stays in the same place.

With the hereditary disease Basal Cell Neevus Syndrome (BCNS), the risk of skin cancer is greater.
Another name for this disease is Gorlin syndrome or Gorlin-Goltz. People with this disease often develop multiple forms of basal cell carcinoma. This skin cancer usually starts at a young age, often under the age of 20. Treatment is often done with hedgehog inhibitors.