What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) also known as basal cell cancer or basal skin cancer is an epidermal skin tumour and is the most common type of cancer in Europe, Australia and the USA.1,2 The annual global incidence is around 2 million cases.3 Initial signs of BCC appear on the surface of the skin as small lumps, scar-like or eczema-like changes, or sometimes as small sores with raised borders. Typically, BCC tumours are easily removed by surgery as they tend to grow slowly and rarely metastasise.4
References:
1. Telfer N.R, et al. Guidelines for the management of basal cell carcinoma. Br J Derm. 2008;158:35-48. Available at:http://www.bad.org.uk/Portals/_Bad/Guidelines/Clinical%20Guidelines/bcc%20Guidelines%20BJDJul08.pdf. Last accessed 7 February 2012
2. Von Hoff DD, et al. Inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway in advanced basal-cell carcinoma. New Engl J Med. 2009;361:1164-1172.
3. Jemal A, et al. Cancer statistics, 2010. CA Cancer J Clin. 2010;60:277-300.
4. Walling HW, et al. Aggressive basal cell carcinoma: presentation, pathogenesis, and management. Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2004;23:389-402.