Fundamentals of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant tumor and the most common type of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Estimates on its actual incidence are not precise since most countries do not keep registries that collect data specifically on BCC. It is the most common skin malignancy in White patients, with patients with a history of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure during childhood being at the highest risk. It usually presents on the face, and, even though it has low metastatic potential, it is locally invasive. The diagnosis is usually made clinically, owing to it characteristic clinical features. Surgical treatment is often curative, with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and surgical excision being the preferred techniques. Other treatment options include medical treatment (imiquimod, fluorouracil), cryosurgery, radiation therapy (RT), and intralesional therapy. Prognosis for patients with nonmetastatic low-risk disease is excellent, and patients with metastatic high-risk disease have poor prognosis with a median survival of only 10 months.