Basal Cell Carcinoma
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008Most common skin malignancy, related to chronic sun exposure, it can occur on any part of the body, mostly the face. Patients are usually over 40 years of age and have fair skin. Most basal cell carcinomas arise in the head and neck area, particularly the facial skin.
It grows slowly, it is firm, with translucent papule on the skin with associated telangiectasia (small, dilated surface capillaries). The center of the lesion is typically depressed, and may ulcerate occasionally. Metastasis is rare. Although prognosis is usually good, death may result from invasion of vital structures by the tumor due to neglect of the lesion by the patient.
Sources: Essentials of Pathology For Dentistry. R.F.T McMahon. P. Sloan.