The first signs of basal cell carcinoma. As measures for the prevention of basal cell carcinoma,

Date: 18.04.2019

Most often, basal cell carcinoma takes the form of one of three subtypes: nodular, superficial, or ulcerative.
You will also see in the photo how basalioma has signs of several varieties at once.

Nodal basal cell carcinoma in the photo.

It is the most common type of basal cell carcinoma, accounting for about 60% of all primary cases. It looks like a raised, translucent papule or nodule with vasodilation on the surface (telangiectasia). Such a nodule can ulcerate, have pigment blotches. Most often, nodal basalioma appears on the head and neck, you will notice this in the photo. Over time, the borders become ridge-shaped and pearly, while the central part ulcerates - a so-called corrosive ulcer is formed. The nodular variant of basal cell carcinoma without treatment reaches large sizes and spreads deeply, damaging the eyelids, nose, or ears. In large lesions, tissue destruction and ulceration often dominate the picture, so it is not always easy to recognize the true nature of the disease.

In the photo, the nodal basalioma of the classical type Pearl pink swelling with protruding dilated vessels.

Photo of a basal cell carcinoma with a characteristic vasodilation, vitreous sheen. You can also see thin crusts on the surface.

Initial manifestations of basal cell carcinoma on the nose at the inner corner of the eye. Pearl nodule of oval shape, depression in the center, edges slightly pigmented, ridge-like.

In the photo, the basal cell carcinoma of the skin is nodular. Smooth, pearly swelling with telangiectasia, small scabs on one of the edges. Dense to the touch, clearly identifiable, does not bother with anything.

Pigmented basal cell carcinoma (basalioma) in the photo.

About 2% of all basaliomas are completely pigmented. A slight degree of pigmentation is present in a large number basalioma. Although raised margins, waxy sheen, and telangiectasias (vasodilatation) are common, and help establish a correct diagnosis. Nevertheless, such (see photo) basal cell carcinoma can hardly be distinguished from melanoma. The final point in establishing the diagnosis will be put by histological examination.

In the photo there is a nodular basal cell carcinoma with several spots of brown pigment. That is why pigmented basal cell carcinoma is often referred to as a type of nodular carcinoma.

Pigmented type of basal cell carcinoma. In the photo, a nodule with an uneven black color and uneven edges, the disease can be easily confused with melanoma. In this case, the diagnosis will be prompted by the characteristic translucency and vessels on the surface of the tumor.

Photo of the basal cell carcinoma of the pigment variety. Black knot of several lobules with waxy raised edges. This disease is difficult to distinguish from melanoma.

In the photo there is a pigmented basal cell carcinoma. An unevenly colored black plaque with a spontaneous healing site in the center. It is visually indistinguishable from superficial melanoma. For diagnosis, histology is required.

Cystic basal cell carcinoma (basalioma) in the photo.

Cystic basal cell carcinoma results from the accumulation of fluid in the tumor. It can be pink or blue-gray in color, it releases a clear liquid when punctured or incised. If the tumor is located in the orbit area, then it can be mistaken for a hydrocystoma. The cystic change is not always noticeable (see photo below), and, therefore, basal cell carcinoma is perceived as a typical nodular variety.

In the photo, the basal cell carcinoma of the transitional, so-called nodular-cystic type. Mucus slowly accumulates in the nodule, gradually leading to the cystic variant of basal cell carcinoma.

In the photo there is a cystic basal cell carcinoma. Initially, the disease looked like nodular basal cell carcinoma. Gradually, the accumulation of fluid led to the formation of a tense, translucent cyst (sac) with dilated vessels.

Ulcerative basalioma in the photo.

Any basal cell carcinoma ultimately can turn into ulcerative (the so-called "gnawing ulcer"). The disease is often covered with a scab, the edges of the ulcer are ridge-shaped, translucent, dense to the touch, and have a network of dilated vessels. The tumor sometimes heals on its own with scarring. It seems to patients that folk recipes worked, or they had some kind of "allergy". Over time, in the same place, basalioma will reappear, ulcerate, and heal again. But the size of the lesion will already be somewhat large. This continues indefinitely, and ulcerative (see photo) basal cell carcinoma reaches significant sizes.

In the photo, the basalioma in the form of a dome-shaped red plaque, covered with dark and light crusts, peels off. Resembles an injured seborrheic keratoma.

In the photo, a basal cell carcinoma, which has turned from a nodular variety into an ulcerative one. In the center of the tumor there is a deep ulceration, the edges are sharply raised, roller-like.

The photo shows a gigantic basal cell carcinoma that destroyed most of the face. In Russia, almost any oncologist sees several such patients during their life. The reasons are usually poverty, alcoholism, low funding for medicine, total neglect of one's own health, and not the severity of the disease.

In the photo there is an ulcerative basal cell carcinoma. Affects the occipital, posterior region and spreads to the temple. The entire disease consists of hard tissue, partially covered with crusts. The study of the characteristic edges of the tumor will help to establish the diagnosis.

Superficial basal cell carcinoma (basalioma) in the photo.

Superficial basal cell carcinoma is quite common and occurs more often on the skin of the trunk and extremities, although the head and neck can also be affected. The average age at diagnosis is 57 years, younger than with other forms of basal cell carcinoma.
They look like thin plaques, spots, thin plaque, pink or red in color, they are difficult to distinguish in appearance from limited (solar) hyperkeratosis, or a benign inflammatory lesion. Sometimes confused with psoriasis, eczema, and Bowen's disease. May have subtle blotches of pigment and filamentous telangiectasias. Bleeds frequently even with minimal damage. The result of histological examination finally confirms the diagnosis.
In some places, the tumor dissolves on its own, forming scar areas and areas of skin with reduced pigmentation. It is also possible for a variable amount of pigment to be present, leading to confusion with other skin conditions.
The superficial form does not penetrate very deeply into the skin, but tends to grow in breadth. Such (see photo) basalioma can reach sizes of several centimeters. The growth pattern is primarily horizontal, but these tumors can penetrate deeply, with the formation of lumps, ulcers and nodules.
Due to superficial growth, the true edges of the tumor may not be visible during routine examination, and cells from invisible areas can give rise to the growth of a new visible focus of basal cell carcinoma in the immediate vicinity of existing ones. These lesions were previously called multifocal basal cell carcinoma. But 3D modeling, built on a series of histologic studies, has demonstrated that discrete superficial basal cell carcinoma plaques are often conjoined in the skin, and are part of a single large lesion. Wide lateral inconspicuous spread explains the significant recurrence (reappearance) of these tumors after conventional surgical treatment.

Superficial basalioma in the photo. Plaques of reddened skin that resemble dermatitis. Basal cell carcinoma of this type usually grows on the skin of the trunk.

In the photo, a superficial type of basal cell carcinoma on the trunk with multiple small scales and crusts. The rolls at the edges of the tumor are hardly visible.

Photo of multiple superficial basaliomas of the trunk. Some of them have roller-like edges, blotches of pigment, areas with crusts on the surface.

Superficial basal cell carcinoma in the photo is represented by two foci with vasodilation and roller-like edges. In the larger of the foci, there are areas with a transition to the nodular and ulcerative varieties of basal cell carcinoma.

Fibrosing (scleroderma-like, sclerosing, morpheaform) basalioma in the photo.

Sclerosing basal cell carcinoma is a rare subtype that appears as a slightly raised or sunken white, gray, or yellow scar as a result of a severe scarring reaction on tumor cells. This type of tumor penetrates very deeply, has indeterminate boundaries. It often lacks the characteristic features of basal cell carcinomas such as erythema and telangiectasia. All this complicates the diagnosis. Palpation (to the touch) helps to partially determine the boundaries of the tumor. Sclerosing basalioma (see photo below) can progress to nodular or ulcerative varieties. And of course, a biopsy will be important here. The lesions can go deep enough before they are detected.

Basal cell carcinoma of the face or basal cell carcinoma is considered one of the most common malignant neoplasms of epithelial nature. Statistics claim that this skin disease ranks third after lung and stomach cancer. According to the WHO qualifications in the registry of diseases, this neoplasm is designated as ICD-10 skin basal cell carcinoma.

This type of skin cancer develops from the epidermis, namely from its follicular or atypical basal cells and selects open areas on the face, neck or head as the site of localization. On the face, the temples, the area around the eyes, the wings of the nose, the nasolabial folds and the upper lip are most often affected. The disease is diagnosed with the same frequency in men and women and usually develops in mature age(after 50 years). This type of tumor is better than others amenable to treatment and with timely diagnosis in most cases it is possible to achieve a complete cure, since the cancer does not metastasize.

The risk group mainly includes elderly people with fair skin, who long time carried out in the sun, since ultraviolet radiation is the impetus that triggers the pathological process. Let's list the main provoking factors:

Prolonged exposure to the sun: The more intense the exposure to UV light, the higher the risk of skin cancer.
Genetic factor. Hereditary diseases associated with increased sensitivity to sun rays, cases of basal cell carcinoma in close relatives, freckled and fair skin significantly increase the risk of malignant neoplasm.
Age factor. The incidence of basalioma increases significantly with age. In 90% of cases, skin cancer is diagnosed in people over 60 years of age.
Professional factor. Work associated with constant contact with toxic chemicals (oil products, resins, arsenic).
Long-term mechanical damage to certain areas of the skin.
Exposure to radioactive radiation, X-rays, or the use of radiation therapy.
Decreased immunity associated with the intake of certain drugs or immunodeficiency states (HIV, PID).

Children and adolescents are not at risk, but you should always remember that excessive sunbathing in childhood and adolescence can subsequently adversely affect skin health.

Basalioma grows slowly (up to 5 mm) per year and does not give metastases, which determines a favorable prognosis, since with timely treatment, the tumor responds well to treatment. The main danger consist in the fact that in the early stages the symptoms of the disease are smoothed out and few people pay attention to small nodules on the skin. The tumor, meanwhile, slowly progresses and grows into the deep layers of the epidermis, destroying muscles, bone and cartilaginous structures. Tumor cells spread along the nerve trunks, in the muscles and along the periosteum.

If the neoplasm is located on the face next to natural holes, then the risk of destruction of the cartilage and bone structure of the nose, eye sockets or ear increases many times, which leads to their deformation and disfigurement of the face. If at the same time complications join and erosions and open wounds appear, the likelihood of infection and purulent abscesses is high. The tumor is capable of passing from the wings of the nose to the oral mucosa, destroying the bones that form the orbit, which leads to loss of vision, and if the process involves the auricle, to hearing loss.

The main danger lies in the fact that through natural openings the tumor can penetrate into the cranial cavity and affect the brain, which is fatal.

Basalioma types and characteristic symptoms

Experts distinguish between several types of basaliomas, each of which has its own characteristics:

Nodular ulcerative... This is the most common form of the disease, from which all other formations are then formed. Basalioma looks like a round, small induration Pink colour that resembles a nodule or pimple that itches slightly. In the center of such a knot, a depression is noticeable; outwardly, it looks like a transparent, waxy pearl. There may be several such tubercles, over time they merge and form a small plaque with a lobular surface. Plaque size first initial stage does not exceed 1 cm, you can see on it spider veins(telangiectasia), the formation bleeds easily at the slightest damage, while ulcers are formed, which are subsequently covered with a dry crust.

As the disease progresses further, a roll of transparent vesicles forms around the tumor, which over time becomes dense and forms a reddish ring, inside which the inflammatory process is constantly going on and purulent necrotic crusts form at the bottom. The erosive surface gradually grows and in places of ulceration the color of the basalioma changes. However, these processes do not cause discomfort or pain.

At the last stages of development, the disease passes into the ulcerative-infiltrative stage. In the center of the tumor, the ulcer becomes crusty, which can create the illusion of healing. But this is with malignant process impossible. The crust easily falls off, but then forms again, and with each subsequent rejection, the ulcer deepens more and more, acquiring the shape of a crater, the bottom of which is covered with a gray, purulent crust. In this case, nearby tissues are affected, and a purulent infection often joins.

Superficial... This form of cancer is the easiest to treat. The lesion looks like a smooth, shiny pink plaque 3-4 cm in diameter with raised waxy edges. The favorite place of localization is the chest and limbs, while multiple formations often appear on the body. Superficial basilioma can exist for decades, since it practically does not grow or develop. Its surface is atrophied in such a way that it resembles a mosaic, as it has areas of different pigmentation. There are no infiltrative manifestations.

Flat (cicatricial). It is a neoplasm in the form of a plaque, bordered by a raised, clearly visible ridge. The appearance of the neoplasm resembles a dark brown or black flat mole. Basalioma grows for a long time, gradually increases in size, while its central part begins to ulcerate, forming a flat ulcer. With the healing of ulcers, a characteristic scar is formed, as a result, the neoplasm takes the form of a dark spot with scar changes in the center. It is located below the level of healthy skin and is constantly growing and increasing in size.

Diagnostics

During the appointment, a dermatologist or oncologist will perform a visual examination and palpation of the lymph nodes. To clarify the diagnosis, you will need to do a scraping or biopsy and send the material for histological examination.

Additional research methods - ultrasound, CT ( CT scan) will reveal and clarify the size, structure of the tumor and the depth of its penetration into the tissue, which is important in determining the tactics of subsequent treatment.

Treatment

Timely seeking qualified help allows you to stop the development of the tumor for early stage and achieve favorable prognosis... Today, there are several main methods for treating skin basal cell carcinoma:

Surgical intervention (excision of basal cell carcinoma with a scalpel);
Laser therapy (destruction of a tumor by a laser beam);
Cryodestruction (freezing with liquid nitrogen);
Radiation therapy (irradiation of the neoplasm);
Electrocoagulation (moxibustion with high frequency current);
Phototherapy (the tumor is destroyed by light flashes after the introduction of a photosensitizer);
Chemotherapy (treatment of neoplasms with special chemicals).

An important role in choosing a method for removing a tumor is played by its location. So, if the formation is in the facial area, surgical techniques treatment is not used, since it is fraught with disfigurement of the face, especially in cases where basal cell carcinoma of the skin of the nose is diagnosed. On the facial areas, the most popular methods are radiation therapy and modern laser techniques.

Basal cell carcinoma in advanced cases grows to a large size and grows deep into the tissue, destroying muscles and bone structures. In such cases, experts recommend combined removal methods. For example, cryotherapy sessions and local chemotherapy are used at the same time, or radiation is combined with surgery.

Funds traditional medicine cannot eliminate the tumor, but they are able to slow down its growth and development, therefore, in agreement with the attending physician, they can be used in addition to the main treatment. For the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, you can use medicinal plants, the juice of which has a cauterizing effect.

Celandine juice is poisonous, therefore, gloves should be worn when collecting the plant and the procedure should be carried out with caution, otherwise you can get burned. Traditional healers it is recommended to simply break the stem of the plant and treat the surface of the basalioma 3-4 times a day with the released juice.
Golden Mustache Juice has similar properties. To obtain it, you need to pass the stems of the plant through a meat grinder, then squeeze the juice with gauze. Fresh plant juice is used for compresses. To do this, moisten a cotton swab in it, put it on the tumor, fix it with a bandage and leave it for several hours.

Forecast

The prognosis for basal cell carcinoma in most cases is favorable. If the tumor is removed at an early stage, when its size is small and it has not grown into the subcutaneous tissue, then, according to experts, the ten-year survival rate reaches almost 98%. Basal cell tumors do not metastasize, so this type of skin cancer responds well to treatment and mortality from it is low.

The prognosis worsens if treatment is started at an advanced stage, when the tumor is located nearby vital organs, is large in size and grows deeply, destroying the surrounding tissues. In such cases, the risk of relapse of the disease increases significantly, since its course is more aggressive. Experts recommend to closely monitor the condition of the skin and, if suspicious neoplasms appear, promptly seek qualified help.

In recent years, oncological diseases quite often become the main reason high mortality among the population. Cancer cells can infect absolutely any tissue in the human body, causing various pathological processes. Let us consider in detail what is basal cell skin cancer, what are its causes and whether it is possible to recover from this ailment.

What is this type of cancer

This type of cancer is also called basalioma. It most often develops on the face, neck, or nose. Prefers to hit the male population over 40 years old. It has been noticed that representatives of the Mongoloid race and Negroid are not susceptible to this kind cancer.

The name "basalioma" comes from the fact that cancer cells begin their development from the basal layer of the skin, which is located deepest.

Causes of skin cancer

At present, the question of histogenesis (a set of processes leading to the formation) has not yet been fully resolved. this disease... Many are of the opinion that basal cell skin cancer develops from pluripotent epithelial cells. Differentiation can take place in different directions. We list some of the reasons that, in the opinion of most experts, can provoke the development of this pathology:

Genetic predisposition.
Immune system disorders.
External influences of adverse factors.
Development against the background of radiodermatitis, tuberculous lupus, psoriasis.

Basal cell skin cancer (photo demonstrates this) occurs most often in the epidermis and hair follicles. It grows slowly and very rarely metastases. Some doctors consider basal cell carcinoma not as cancer or benign growth, but as a tumor with locally destructive growth.

Quite often, under the influence of strong carcinogens, such as X-rays, basal cell skin cancer turns into carcinoma.

Basalioma provocateurs

There are many risk factors for this disease:

The most serious provocateur is ultraviolet radiation.
Belonging to the male sex. It has been noticed that its representatives are much more likely to suffer from this disease.
The presence of fair skin. It has been established that people with dark skin practically do not suffer from this pathology.
The tendency of the skin to get sunburn.
Work in the open sun for a long time. As you approach the equator, the frequency of this disease increases. Most often, the basal cell or neck develops.
High concentration of arsenic in drinking water. Those who are forced to work with this substance are at risk.
Polycyclic aromatic resins can also cause this disease. They can be contained in coal tar, shale, soot.
Long-term use of immunosuppressants.
Certain inherited conditions such as albinism or
Chronic ulcers.
Thermal burns.
Ionizing radiation.

It has also been found that excessive insolation (exposure to sunlight) in childhood can subsequently lead to the development of cell carcinoma.

Basalioma classification

If we consider histology, then this pathology classified as undifferentiated and differentiated cancer. The first category includes:

solid basal cell carcinoma;
pigmented;
morphe-like;
superficial.

Differentiated is divided into:

keratotic basal cell carcinoma;
cystic;
adenoid.

According to the international classification, the following types of skin cancer are distinguished:

Solid basal cell carcinoma. This form is found most often and is represented by strands and cells, which are located compactly. At the same time, basaloid cells do not have clear boundaries, in the center they can be with dystrophic changes and cystic cavities.
Pigmented basal cell skin cancer (you can see a photo of it in the article) is characterized by diffuse pigmentation due to the content of melanin.
Superficial cancer often forms multiple lesions. Relapse may occur after scar border therapy.
Scleroderma-like is characterized by a strong development of connective tissue, in which the cords of basal epithelial cells are embedded. They can penetrate deep inside, down to the subcutaneous tissue.
A malignant tumor with glandular differentiation is also called adenoid. It differs not only in the presence of large areas, but also in narrow epithelial cords, which consist of several rows of cells that form an alveolar or tubular structure.
Basal cell carcinoma of the skin of the right cheek with cyloid differentiation. Differs in the presence of foci with keratinized areas, which are surrounded by cells that look like prickly ones.
Cancer with sebaceous differentiation is quite rare.
Fibroepithelial type is a very rare type of basal cell carcinoma. Usually spreads in the lumbar region and sacrum. May resemble fibropapilloma clinically.

Basalioma types by type of manifestation

There is a classification of this pathology and by the type of manifestation. There are the following types:

Nodular-ulcerative basalioma. Consider this basal cell skin cancer. The initial stage (the photo confirms this) is characterized by the appearance of a nodule on the eyelids, in the corners of the mouth. The skin around it is pink or reddish with a matte or shiny surface. After some time, the nodule transforms into an ulcer with a greasy coating. After a while, a vascular network appears on the surface, the ulcer becomes crusted, and seals form around the edges. Gradually, the ulcer begins to bleed and grow into the deeper layers of the skin, but metastases are not formed.
If the ulcer heals in the center, and growth continues along the edges, then we are talking about cicatricial-atrophic basalioma.
Perforating basal cell carcinoma develops most often in those places that are often traumatized. It is very similar to the nodular-ulcerative form, but it develops at a much faster rate.
The warty form of cancer in its appearance resembles a head of cauliflower.
A nodular appearance is a single nodule that develops upward and protrudes above the surface of the skin.

Only after the form and type of the disease has been determined, the doctor determines how to treat basal cell carcinoma. Of course, there can be no question of any self-medication.

Symptoms of the disease

Quite often, if there is a basal cell skin cancer, the initial stage (photo confirming this) proceeds completely without symptoms. In rare cases, slight bleeding is possible.

Patients may complain that a small ulcer has appeared on the skin, which slowly grows in size, but at the same time it is absolutely painless, sometimes itching appears.

Clinical manifestations basaliomas depend on the shape of the tumor and its location. The most common is the nodular basal cell carcinoma. It is a hemispherical knot with a smooth pink surface, in the center of which there is a small depression. The knot grows slowly and resembles a pearl.

With a superficial form of cancer, a plaque appears with clear boundaries, raised and waxy-shiny edges. Its diameter can be from 1 to 30 mm. It grows very slowly.

If the basal cell carcinoma of the skin is cicatricial, then it looks like a flat, grayish-pink scar, slightly depressed into the skin. The edges are raised and pearlescent. At the border of the formation, erosion occurs, covered with a pink-brown crust. During this form of cancer, there are periods when scars predominate, and erosion is very slight or absent.

The ulcerative form of basal cell carcinoma is characterized by the destruction of soft tissues and bones, which are located next to the tumor. Ulcers have irregular shape, their bottom is covered with a gray-black crust, it is usually bumpy, and the edges are raised.

By the way, there is also basal cell skin cancer in cats (primary multiple). At the same time, many basaliomas can be seen on the animal's body, in addition, mental disorders are observed, which are manifested in inappropriate behavior, in addition, skeletal pathology develops. This kind malignant tumor characterized by slow growth, the depth of the lesion and the risk of relapse will depend on its size, location, cellular characteristics, and the state of immunity.

In humans, the most dangerous is basal cell skin cancer. In this case, the treatment will be rather difficult. Pathology, as a rule, is localized on the face, skin around the eyes and nose.

The scleral form of basal cell carcinoma also poses a great danger to humans. But pigmented basal cell skin cancer has a favorable prognosis. This form responds well to treatment.

How can the disease be diagnosed?

In order to make an accurate diagnosis, it is sometimes enough for an experienced specialist to look at the patient. The clinical manifestations of this type of cancer are quite typical, and diagnostic difficulties do not arise. On the surface, the doctor most often discovers single or multiple foci of micro-erosion, which are covered with easily detachable crusts from above.

Patients most often turn to a dermatologist when problems are found, but in this case, an oncologist should deal with therapy. If you analyze a smear-scarification from erosive areas, then in almost 100% of cases it allows you to confirm the diagnosis.

If cytological and histological studies cause any doubts, then the patient is given a biopsy of the lymph nodes.

It is important to distinguish between basal cell carcinoma and lupus, melanoma, keratosis, or psoriasis when making a diagnosis. After all examinations, if the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor selects the method of therapy strictly individually. This disease does not have the same approach to treating all patients.

Pathology therapy

Once the diagnosis of basal cell skin cancer has been confirmed, treatment should be started immediately. Most often, the following methods of dealing with this pathology are used:

electrocoagulation and curettage;
cryodestruction;
radiation therapy;
the Mohs method, which consists in excising the tumor with intraoperative microscopy of frozen horizontal sections, so that the volume of the upcoming operation can be determined.

The choice of the method of therapy depends entirely on the location of the tumor, its size, characteristics of the course and the state of the patient's body. Dermatologists usually prefer to use electrocautery at the very beginning of therapy. But it must be remembered that this method of treatment is effective if there are small tumors and they are located in non-hazardous places.

If a histological examination is required, then they resort to the excision method. It is most often used in the presence of tumors with malignant course and located in dangerous places, such as on the face or head. With its help, it is possible to obtain a good cosmetic result.

Radiation therapy in the presence of basal cell carcinoma, they are rarely used, but if surgery is impossible, then it is simply irreplaceable. Doctors admit that it is also quite effective. Irradiation is indispensable even with a high degree of tumor malignancy. At the same time, one should be careful about radiation therapy in young patients, since the risk of developing radiation dermatitis and induced malignancies.

If we consider the Mohs method, then it allows you to preserve healthy tissues as much as possible. This method is effective for recurrent tumors, large sizes and dangerous localization. If an excision is to be made on the eyelid, then they also resort to that method of therapy.

If a cancerous tumor on the skin has formed very recently, then it is preferable to use close-focus X-ray therapy. And in advanced cases, it is combined with surgical intervention.

A common technique is cryodestruction of a tumor, that is, its removal with liquid nitrogen. This procedure takes little time and is absolutely painless for the patient. There is, however, one drawback: positive result can be obtained only if the neoplasm is located superficially and does not affect the deeper layers of the skin.

When located, they often resort to removing it with a laser. It is safe and painless, after the intervention, as a rule, a short rehabilitation period and an excellent cosmetic effect.

If there is a basal cell carcinoma of the superficial type, then topical treatment with Fluorouracil cream is prescribed. IN Lately studies are being conducted on the effectiveness of injecting this drug into lesions. If cancer appears on the skin for the first time and has a small localization, then interferon injections are used.

Surgical treatment of basalioma

Surgical removal of basal cell carcinoma is effective in the first stage of treatment. And also if a relapse occurs, or a tumor develops at the site of the scar. During the operation, the tumor is removed, but this method of therapy is undesirable if there are lesions on the face.

The operation is performed under local anesthesia, the tumor is removed to the border with healthy cells, even slightly affecting them for reliability.

Consequences of basal cell skin cancer

There are several types of skin cancer, and depending on this, the course and prognosis of pathologies can also be different. If we talk about the consequences of basal cell carcinoma, then it must be borne in mind that this tumor most often has a compact arrangement, rather rarely gets inside and affects the lymph nodes.

But if an advanced form of cancer is located on the head and neck, then the process of destruction of the tissues of these parts of the body begins. It can even go down to bones, muscles and tendons.

Of all types of skin cancer, this is the most cosmetically unpleasant and slow-growing. But he, including the thermal stages, can give in surgical treatment... Therefore, if your doctor recommends surgery, do not be afraid, you have to agree. Despite all its unsightly, the described skin gives patients a chance to recover even in the most advanced cases.

Preventive actions

Those who have already encountered basal cell skin cancer once should take special care in preventing relapse. After treatment of basal cell carcinoma, you should follow all the doctor's recommendations:

During solar activity, that is, in the summer, it is necessary to limit the stay on the street from 11:00 to 17:00. At this time, ultraviolet radiation is the most aggressive, so you need to avoid exposure to it. If there is a need to go outside, then it is worth applying a special protective cream to the skin and using hats and glasses.
Without proper nutrition, it is impossible to maintain your immune system at the proper level. It is necessary to limit the amount of animal proteins, they can be replaced with vegetable proteins, for example, nuts, legumes.
The diet should contain more vegetables and fruits.
If there are old scars on the skin, then it is necessary to take measures to prevent their injury.
All sores and wounds on the skin should be treated promptly. If they tend to heal poorly, then a doctor should be consulted.
If your work involves contact with petroleum products, then you should be very careful, always use protective equipment.

Cancer of any form and type is a dangerous disease. It is better not to allow its development, but this is not always in our power. If this has already happened, then you should not give up and prepare for the worst. Currently, medicine has made great strides, and sometimes miracles happen in the most neglected cases.

Pay close attention to your health, and then everything will be fine.

What it is?

The most common type among oncological skin pathologies is basal cell carcinoma (basal cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma). A tumor neoplasm originates in the germinal (basal) layer of the skin epithelium. Basalioma is characterized by slow growth and extremely rare metastasis.

Many "medical luminaries" attribute such a tumor process to intermediate locally destroying (semi-malignant) neoplasms.

Basal cell carcinoma is characterized by a persistent recurrent course, invasion of almost all layers of the skin, including deep ones, causing functional and cosmetic defects on the surface of the body. People are susceptible to illness of different ages, but according to statistics, every 4th light-skinned old man(up to 50 and older), sensitive to sun exposure, is at risk.

Ionizing factor and sun exposure are not the only provoking factors for the development of basal cell carcinoma. Its development can be triggered by frequent injury to skin areas or exposure to harmful chemicals, in particular - arsenic, hydrocarbon or its derivatives. Tumor nucleation occurs in the deep layers of the epidermis. From this moment, its slow germination to the surface begins.

Signs of basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer) in humans

Skin cancer (basalioma) manifests itself in various clinical forms.

Ulcus rodens - nodular ulcerative. The usual localization sites are the inner surface in the corners of the eye, the skin surface of the eyelids, in the folds at the base of the nose. It protrudes above the skin in the form of a pinkish or red dense nodule with a shiny surface. The gradual enlargement of the node is accompanied by its ulceration, the bottom of the ulcer is covered with a greasy coating. The surface is characterized by signs of telangiectisia (vascular dilatation) and the appearance of a crust surrounded by a "pearly" dense ridge.
Perforating basalioma - rare form basal cell carcinoma of the face with signs of rapid infiltration. It looks little different from the previous form.
Warty, exophytic, papillary - appear above the skin surface with dense rounded nodules resembling cauliflower... They are not prone to infiltration.
Large nodular nodular - differs in a single localization of a nodular formation. Signs of telangiectisia are clearly visible on the surface.
Pigmented basalioma, very similar in appearance to melanoma. The difference is the dark internal pigmentation of the node and the surrounding “pearl” ridge.
Atrophic cicatricial form, which looks like flat ulcerations, surrounded by a dense rim of "pearl" color. The growth of an erosive spot at the time of scarring in its center is characteristic.
Sclerodermiform basal cell carcinoma prone to scarring and ulceration. At the beginning of the process, it manifests itself as small dense nodes, which quickly turn into dense flat spots with vascular translucence.
Pagetoid superficial tumor. It is characterized by the manifestation of many flat neoplasms that reach large sizes. Plaques with raised edges do not rise above the skin; they appear in all shades of scarlet. Often appear accompanied by various diffuse processes - costal anomalies or the development of cysts in the mandibular zone.
Turban basalioma affecting the scalp. A violet-pink tumor "sits" on a rather wide base (10 cm in diameter). It develops over a long period of time. Differs in a benign clinical picture.

Basal cell carcinoma stages - onset and development

stages of development of basal cell carcinoma, photo

The stage classification of basal cell carcinoma is based on clinical picture taking into account the characteristics - the area of the lesion, the depth of germination into the adjacent tissues and signs of their destruction, without signs of involvement of the nodes of the lymph system in the process. According to such indications, four stages of the lesion are determined, which are due to the manifestation of neoplasms in the form of tumors or ulcers.

The initial stage of basal cell carcinoma (first) includes neoplasms that do not exceed 2 cm. Localization is limited, without germination into adjacent tissues.
The second stage includes nodular tumors of more than 2 cm with signs of invasion into all skin layers, without capturing adipose tissue.
The third stage is characterized by the significant size of the neoplasm (up to 3 cm or more), germinating all tissue structures, up to the bone.
The fourth stage of skin basal cell carcinoma includes tumors that grow and affect the bone structure or cartilage tissue (see photo).

Signs of the initial stage of basal cell carcinoma, photo

photo of the initial stage of basal cell carcinoma

For a tumor, the location is characteristic in various areas of the facial and cervical zone. Localization of various forms of basal cell carcinoma on the skin of the nose is also not uncommon. It appears as small painless nodules of skin color, in the form of common acne, usually on the forehead or in the folds near the wings of the nose.

Basaliomas in the initial stage look like small pearly nodular formations, which after a while tend to get wet. A crust forms on their surface, through which the ulcerated surface is visible.

The process is not accompanied by pain and discomfort. Such pearl nodules can appear as a whole "company" and combine into one whole, forming an angiitis spot (plaque) with a lobed surface.

Typically, the formation of telangiectasive signs (small capillary streaks) on the plaque surface. Soon, a bubble edging begins to form around the neoplasm, subsequently turning into a dense edging in the form of a ridge, which is a characteristic feature of basal cell carcinoma. When stretching the skin at the site of formation, you can clearly see the red ring of the inflammatory process.

Tissue decay on the surface of the formation causes an ulcerative or erosive process. When the crusts covering the ulcer or erosion are removed, a crater-shaped depression or an uneven bottom is exposed. They partially scar, crust over, but continue to grow slowly, without showing any discomfort or soreness until a certain time.

Pain, partial tissue paresis, manifested by loss of tissue sensitivity, causes a deep growth of the neoplasm, provoking the destruction or compression of the cellular structure of nerve tissues.

Due to the slow growth of basal cell carcinoma in the initial period, it is possible in the first two years, from the moment of the first symptoms, to reveal the disease in almost 80% of patients.

Early diagnosis and timely removal of basal cell carcinoma, in 98% of cases, give a good cosmetic result and cure.

Late period clinic

In the late period of its development, the carcinoma tumor grows into the deep skin layers, forming a crater-shaped depression. Ulcerations acquire a dense structure and are no longer displaced on examination. The bottom of the crater becomes greasy and shiny, and the ulcer is surrounded by prominent blood vessels.

Any of the tumor forms of basal cell carcinoma is characterized by a slow development, which can last for months or years. But, characteristic feature such formations - growth not in area, but in depth, forming a characteristic funnel.

Therefore, in the later stages of the disease in patients after treatment of education, there are impressive defects that are difficult to correct.

In more than half of such patients, after removal of the basal cell carcinoma, its relapses are noted.

What is the danger of basal cell carcinoma, should it be removed?

A long-term tumor process causes it to grow into the very depths of the body, damaging and destroying soft tissues, the structure of bones and cartilage. Basalioma is characterized by its cell growth along the natural course of nerve branches, among the tissue layers and the surface of the periosteum.

Formations not removed in time are not subsequently limited only to tissue destruction.

Basal cell carcinoma (photo) is capable of deforming and disfiguring the ears and nose, destroying their bone structure and cartilaginous tissue, and any associated infection can aggravate the situation with a purulent process. A tumor can:

to hit the mucous membrane in the nasal cavity;
go into the oral cavity;
hit and destroy the bones of the skull;
settle in the orbit of the eyes;
lead to blindness and hearing loss.

Intracranial (intracranial) introduction of a tumor by moving along natural holes and cavities.

In this case, brain damage and fatal outcome are inevitable. Despite the fact that basal cell carcinomas are classified as non-metastatic tumors, more than two hundred cases of basal cell carcinomas with metastases are known and described.

Basalioma treatment - removal and drugs

The diagnostic criterion for the examination of basal cell carcinoma tumors are histological and cytological indicators from scrapings, smears, or a biopsy from the tumor area.

In differential diagnosis, a highly informative dermatoscopy technique is used, which identifies basal cell carcinoma by morphological characteristics.

An important diagnostic method that contributes to the right choice treatment tactics- therapeutic or surgical intervention, is an ultrasound examination. Ultrasound specifies the extent of the lesion, its localization and characteristics of the tumor process.

It is on such data that the choice of treatment methods is based, including:

1) Drug therapy for skin basal cell carcinoma using local chemotherapy with cytostatic drugs such as Cyclophosphamide and application treatment with Methotrexate or Fluorouracil.

2) Surgical removal of basal cell carcinoma, capturing from one to two centimeters of tissue adjacent to the tumor. Cartilage and bone tissues are subject to resection, if they are involved in the process.

This method is not used to treat basal cell carcinoma on the face, since extensive intervention is very difficult to correct with plastic surgery. It is used in operations to remove tumors in areas of the body, including the extremities.

Contraindications are old age, complex background pathologies, the impossibility of using anesthesia.

3) Cryodestruction - removal of skin basal cell carcinoma using liquid nitrogen. Low temperature nitrogen has a destructive effect on tumor tissue. This technique is used to remove small formations located mainly on the arms or legs.

Cryodestruction is not used to remove large basalis with deep infiltration and neoplasms located on the face.

4) Radiation therapy is used as a treatment for basal cell carcinoma, as an independent technique, and as a possible combination with other treatments. Used to remove surface formations (no more than 5 cm in diameter) in early period development with localization in any area of the face. The radiation technique is acceptable for patients of age and neglected forms disease. Complex, mixed treatment with drug therapy is possible.

5) Removal of small formations with neodymium and carbon dioxide laser. The effectiveness of the method is achieved at 85%.

6) Photodynamic therapy of basal cell carcinoma caused by the influence of laser radiation on the tumor process with a photosensitizer introduced to the patient.

Laser exposure to a sensitizer accumulated by tumor cells causes necrosis of its tissues and death of cancer cells without causing harm connective tissues... This is the most popular and effective method for removing primary and recurrent tumors, especially on the face.

Treatment prognosis for skin basal cell carcinoma, despite frequent relapses generally favorable. Complete cure is achieved in almost 8 patients out of 10. And local and unreleased forms of the disease lend themselves to complete cure, with timely diagnosis.

The skin of the face is the most vulnerable organ of the human body, since various neoplasms appear on it due to minor factors. The skin becomes covered with a rash, spots, tumors, flakes and becomes inflamed. Basalioma of the facial skin delivers maximum inconvenience and requires appropriate treatment and care. Education can be harmful if not started on time healing procedures... Over time, it develops into a disease, which can be eliminated with the help of surgical intervention.

Basalioma is a tumor of the basal epithelium. Experts attributed it to numerous types of cancer, although in its properties the phenomenon is neither malignant nor benign.

How to recognize a disease?

An indicator of skin damage is the appearance of a small nodule. Its color can be flesh or red. The neoplasm does not cause inconvenience and gradually grows. There is no sensation of pain or discomfort at the initial stage. Can it pass by itself? Light skin damage may disappear over time, but with severe basal cell carcinoma, you cannot do without outside help.

Later, a gray crust forms at this place, which indicates the progression of the disease. After the elimination of the basal cell carcinoma, a small depression will remain on the skin for some time, which will disappear later. A thin roller, characterized by its density in structure, indicates the development of a neoplasm. If you carefully examine it, grains that look like pearls will be visible on the surface.

Important! You need to know what to confuse with basal cell carcinoma. It is most often confused with lupus erythematosus, lichen planus, psoriasis and epithelioma. You can see the cancerous lesions yourself with a careful examination of the skin of the face.

Progressive education provokes the growth of a cancerous tumor. At this moment, new nodules are visible on the skin, which subsequently merge into one. At this time, spider veins appear between the affected areas, because oncology affects the vasodilation. After a while, the basalioma becomes a large ulcer. If medical procedures are not carried out, then the surrounding tissues are affected.

Experts distinguish several types of the disease, differing in clinical parameters:

Basalioma occurs in both men and women. It mainly manifests itself after 50 years. In order not to become a victim of a cancerous tumor, you need to know how the symptoms manifest, etc. signs of illness.

Basalioma appears:

In old age;
Due to exposure to high temperatures;
In people with fair skin;
For chronic inflammatory processes of the skin of the face;
Due to frequent burns;
From the abuse of tanning beds and an overabundance of ultraviolet radiation;
With hereditary and genetic diseases;
Due to keloid scars;
From trophic changes;
With regular mechanical damage to the skin of one area of the face;
In people with low immunity from blood diseases, HIV, taking cystostatic drugs and organ transplantation;
Due to interaction with carcinogenic substances (tobacco tar, soot, oil products, arsenic, some dyes, tar);
With a tendency to the appearance of age spots and freckles;
From ionizing radiation and radiation therapy.

The origin of the basal cell carcinoma is not fully understood. To avoid becoming a victim dangerous consequences you should pay attention to any changes skin... Cancer is harmless because in most cases it can be eliminated. Those people who have suffered from a neoplasm should monitor their health, because the disease tends to develop again. Why is such a tumor dangerous? Its first manifestations are cured quickly and without much difficulty, but its second appearance becomes more aggressive.

Untimely treatment of basal cell carcinoma leads to the fact that the tumor spreads to the brain.

Treatment methods for basal cell carcinoma of the face

There are many techniques for removing skin lesions. The choice of treatment method depends on the area where the basal cell carcinoma originated, its depth and prevalence. For example, basal cell carcinoma on the forehead.

At the moment, they use the following methods:

Cryosurgery is used to remove superficial basaliomas. With the help of liquid nitrogen, the tumor is frozen and subsequently eliminated. An alternative way to deal with basal cell carcinoma is to use a laser. Surgical excision is used when the disease is severe.

Important! Basal cell carcinoma is not contagious and is not transmitted through bodily contact, so you should not be afraid of a person with a neoplasm.

To eliminate phenomena from the surface of the skin, they use well-known methods - fulguration and curettage. Basal cell carcinoma treatment is based on exfoliation and subsequent burning of tissues. The procedure allows not only to get rid of the neoplasm, but to stop the bleeding.

A special technique for removing cancerous lesions on the skin was developed by scientists and called Mohs surgery. The method is designed to remove phenomena that have affected sensitive areas of the skin. During the procedure, the basalioma is frozen layer by layer. This approach has become ideal for eliminating a defect with a small percentage of scarring. The technique has high efficiency and reduces the risk of re-infection.

All three methods will help get rid of the problem. The fight against basalioma should start at the first stage. With an aggressive course of the disease, treatment will become more complicated. Can alleviate the course of the disease folk ways treatment, but do not forget that a doctor's consultation will not hurt before use. The mask and compress are not used for bleeding ulcers.

It is useful to drink a tincture of celandine with basalioma. To prepare it, you will need 1 glass of boiling water and 1 tsp. dry flowers of the plant. Consume 50 ml three times a day. Fresh celandine juice is suitable for external use. Yeast is no less popular. A cotton pad is moistened in them, placed on the basal cell carcinoma and fixed with an adhesive plaster. It is recommended to do these lotions every day.

Important! Carcinogens are harmful to health, so you do not need to leave fat or oil for re-cooking.

Basalioma of the facial skin

It is worth remembering that nutrition with basal skin of the face should be correct. Greens, carrots, citrus fruits, cabbage, paprika, whole grains, and beets all promote healing. Fatty foods, salting, pastries and alcohol are prohibited in case of illness.

Forecast of specialists

If basal cell carcinoma, the prognosis of which is favorable, does not affect bones, cartilage and muscles, then everything will end well. When the craniofacial bones have suffered, with the help of plastic surgery they are exchanged for plates. Untimely treatment can provoke the appearance of irreversible consequences on the skin.

At the first stage of basalioma formation, a nodule appears, which gradually becomes covered with ulcers and grows for several months. Ulcers tend to bleed. Over time, the area of the lesion can reach 10 cm. It transforms into a flat plaque and infects the muscles and tissues nearby. When faced with this phenomenon, you need to know what kind of disease appeared on the skin in order to pick up effective method treatment.

After the operation, education will not disturb the patient. In many cases, no scars or scars remain.

Basalioma is not only a cosmetic problem, but also a skin disease that requires professional intervention.