Dorothy FarrarBasal cell carcinoma on the face
Facial basal cell carcinoma is one of the most common types of malignant tumors on the skin of the face. It is slow growing and mainly affects older people. Metastatic facial basal cell carcinomas are rare. Certain areas of the face are more likely to be affected by basal cell carcinoma, particularly the nose, eyelids, and forehead.
What is a basal cell carcinoma on the face?
Facial basalioma, or basal cell carcinoma, is a common, locally invasive, keratinocytic, or non- melanoma skin cancer . It is also known as basal cell carcinoma. Patients often develop multiple primary tumors over time.
causes
The causes are multifactorial. Most DNA mutations occur in the tumor suppressor gene. These can be triggered by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Various spontaneous and inherited genetic defects also predispose to the development of facial basalioma.
When to the doctor?
Unusual skin changes on the face should be clarified by a doctor. Redness or swelling that increases in extent and intensity should be evaluated and treated. If lumps or hardenings can be felt under the skin, it is also advisable to present them to a doctor. If your skin is itchy, your risk of getting an infection or inflammation increases.
Scratching causes damage to the skin, through which germs can get into the organism and cause diseases there. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor and seek medical care. Unusually scaly or dry skin should be examined by a doctor. Feelings of tension or pain in the face are considered to be symptoms for which it is extremely important to see a doctor. If the pain spreads in the face, a doctor must be consulted as soon as possible.
In the case of a basal cell carcinoma on the face, early diagnosis and treatment measures are essential for the further course of the disease. The structure of the skin changes over the course of life as a result of the natural aging process. Therefore, a check-up should always be carried out by a doctor at regular intervals, even if there are no current symptoms. The affected person should be particularly sensitive to changes in the skin on the forehead, eyes and nose.
symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of a basal cell carcinoma on the face:
- skin discoloration
- skin pain
A basal cell carcinoma is a locally invasive skin tumor. The main features are slow-growing plaque or nodules; pink or pigmented skin discoloration, which varies in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter, and spontaneous bleeding or ulceration. A basalioma on the face is very rarely a threat to life. A tiny fraction grows rapidly, penetrates deep into tissues, and/or metastasizes to local lymph nodes .
There are different clinical types of basalioma and over 20 histological growth patterns, including nodular facial basalioma as the most common type of facial basalioma. They are usually identified by a shiny or pearly smooth-surfaced nodule. The cystic variant is soft, with jelly-like contents. Micronodular, microcystic, and infiltrative types are potentially aggressive subtypes.
Superficial basalioma is the most common type in younger adults and is characterized by light, scaly, and irregular plaque. They have thin, translucent margins and cause multiple microerosions. Morphoeic facial basaliomas are also known as morphoeiform or sclerosing basaliomas. They are usually located mid-face and present with a waxy, cicatricial plaque with indistinct borders. As a wide and deep subclinical extension, they can infiltrate skin nerves (perineural spreading).
Diagnose
A facial basal cell carcinoma is diagnosed clinically by the presence of a slowly enlarging skin lesion with a typical appearance. The diagnosis and histological subtype are usually confirmed by diagnostic biopsy or pathologically after excision. Some typical facial basal cell carcinomas are diagnosed clinically and entail nonsurgical treatment without histology.
complications
The basal cell carcinoma on the face causes severe discomfort in the face area. In most cases, only older people are affected by this tumor disease. This leads to relatively severe pain on the skin and the development of itching. The skin may turn red and usually appears scaly. Furthermore, a basal cell carcinoma on the face can also lead to spontaneous bleeding on the face. If left untreated, the tumor can spread to other areas of the face and body, causing complications and discomfort there as well. In severe cases, nerves are also attacked, leading to paralysis and other limitations in movement. The tumor can also spread near the eye and cause discomfort. In many cases it is possible to completely remove the basal cell carcinoma on the face so that there are no further complications. The procedure is performed surgically or with the help of radiation therapy. Symptoms can also occur if the tumor has spread to other areas. Scars usually remain on the skin after the treatment.
treatment and therapy
Treatment depends on the type, number, size, and location of the basal cell carcinoma, other patient factors, and the preference and expertise of the treating physician. Most facial basal cell carcinomas are treated surgically. Possible treatments for facial basal cell carcinoma include:
- excisional biopsy
Excision means that the lesion is cut out and the affected area sewn up. This method is often used for nodular, infiltrative and morphoeic basalioma. To be on the safe side, an area of around 3 to 5 mm of skin around the tumor is always removed. Very large lesions may also require skin grafts to repair the defect. Follow-up surgeries are recommended for lesions that are incompletely excised. A variant, micrographically controlled excision, involves examining carefully marked excised tissue under a microscope. The skin is removed in layers and analyzed to ensure a complete excision. The method offers very high healing rates and is often used in the high-risk areas of the face around the eyes, lips and nose. It is appropriate for ill-defined, morphoeic, infiltrative, and recurrent subtypes.
- Superficial skin surgery
Superficial skin surgery includes shaving, curettage, and electrocautery. It is a quick technique that is performed under local anesthesia and does not require suturing of the wound. It is suitable for small, well-defined nodular or superficial facial basal cell carcinomas. The wound is left open to encourage the natural healing process. Moist wound dressings usually lead to healing within a few weeks.
Cryotherapy is the treatment of a superficial skin lesion by freezing it, usually with liquid nitrogen. The method is suitable for small, superficial basal cell carcinomas. As a result of the treatment, a blister forms, which becomes crusted over and heals within several weeks. The treatment leaves a permanent white discoloration.
- Photodynamic Therapy
This is a technique in which the basal cell carcinoma is treated with a photosensitizing chemical and a few hours later it is exposed to light. Commonly used photosensitizers include aminolevulinic acid lotion and methylaminolevulinate cream. The method is suitable for small, superficial basal cell carcinomas and should be avoided if tumors have a high risk of recurrence. The treatment results in an inflammatory reaction that occurs 3-4 days after the procedure. The treatment is repeated after 7 days. The method gives excellent cosmetic results.
Radiation therapy or x-rays can be used to treat primary basal cell carcinomas on the face. It can also be used as a supplementary remedy when the edges of a basal cell carcinoma are incomplete. The method is mainly used when surgery is not suitable. It should be avoided in young patients and also when genetic conditions indicate a predisposition to skin cancer. The treatment causes inflammatory reactions with subsequent scarring . There is a risk of side effects, including radiodermatitis, late recurrence and new tumors.
prevention
The most important method of prevention is avoiding sunburn. This is especially important in childhood and adolescence. Fair-skinned people and people with a personal or family history of facial basal cell carcinoma should take special care to protect their skin from exposure to the sun. Taking oral nicotinamide ( vitamin B3 ) at a dose of 500 mg twice a day can reduce the number and severity of facial basalioma.
Most basal cell carcinomas are cured with medical treatment. The chances of recovery increase the smaller the lesion. Over 50% of people with a facial basal cell carcinoma will develop another one within 3 years of the first one. These people also have an increased risk of other types of skin cancer, most notably melanoma. Regular skin examinations and long-term annual skin checks by an experienced specialist are recommended.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.