Sometimes called basal cell epitheliomas, this is the most common cancer of all known cancers. Over 400,000 people are afflicted with this disease every year, but luckily for the human race it is rarely fatal. People of fair skin with Northern European ancestry are at the highest risk of getting this cancer and any other skin cancer. Basal cells are located in an upper layer of skin, but are relatively deep compared to other kinds of cells that cause skin cancer. Due to their location in the middle of epidermal layer, this cancer is hard to detect with the casual glance.
Basal cell carcinoma does not metastasize like the other skin cancers, but can still badly damage the area they occupy. Basal cell carcinoma can lead to the loss of organ function on such external organs as the ears or eyes. The fact that basal cell carcinoma does not spread to other organs throughout the body sets it apart from the other skin cancers. The tumors usually appear on sun exposed areas of the skin, but can also appears on the less exposed regions. Although most cases of basal cell carcinoma are caused by the sun, other exposures can have the same results. Arsenic, severe burns, tattooing, vaccinations, and radiation can all cause basal cell carcinoma.
Older men who worked outside all their life were the main recipients of this cancer 10 years ago, but now it shows up in every demographic. There are a number of warning signs for basal cell carcinoma. The cancer appears as a purplish mole with shiny edges and small red dots around it. At first the growing tumor can be mistaken for a mosquito/rat bite. BCC is a very confusing cancer to recognize, for it can also show up as a red patch on an irritated area that hurts and itches. It is very difficult to be diagnosed by a non-physician.
The variety in which basal cell carcinoma can appear makes for hard diagnosis. It can hide itself in the form of a mosquito bite, wart, rash, or cyst. For these reasons it is important for one to see a physician if any area of sun exposed skin looks unusual or has had prolonged pain.