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Page 1 of 3 Edmonton's Cosmetic Surgery Clinic
Basal Cell Carcinoma - The Most Common Cancer in the World!
What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer in humans worldwide and its incidence in Canada continues to increase. It is most commonly seen in light-skinned individuals on the sun-exposed areas such as head and neck. Basal cell carcinoma usually presents as a slowly growing spot or bump that sometimes bleeds when easily traumatized by every day activities such as toweling or washing. Some patients describe it as a spot that looks like a pimple that does not go away. When looked at closely, basal cell carcinoma can have small vessels within it giving it a slightly red or pink color. At the same time we need to remember that basal cell carcinoma can have almost any color from white to red/pink to dark brown. Although light-skinned individuals (with light hair and eye color) are the most susceptible to BCC, patients with all skin types and colors can develop basal cell carcinoma. Dr. Sapijaszko has treated patients of all skin types including Caucasians, Native Americans and Canadians, Inuits, Asians as well as Persians and East Indians among others. This list alone points to the fact that no patient group is immune to this most common form of cancer.
Although BCC rarely kills patients, it grows relentlessly destroying normal tissues in the process and causing open painful wounds and loss of normal skin, muscle, nerve and bone functions. It is imperative that all basal cell carcinomas be treated.
It is very important that any new and persistent spot (e.g. more than three months) be assessed by a family doctor or a dermatologist. When detected early, BCC can be treated successfully. Depending on the treatment method, the success of the therapy can vary but, with the most effective methods, can approach 99% cure rate.
The abnormal growth (cancer) originates in the uppermost layer of the skin. The cancer then grows downward, forming root and fingerlike projections under the surface of the skin. Unfortunately, at times these roots are so subtle they cannot be seen without the aid of a microscope. Therefore, what you see on your skin is sometimes only a small portion of the total tumor.
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