Basal Cell Carcinoma

Question 1

Define Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Answer 1

Commonest form of skin malignancy, also known as a rodent ulcer

Question 2

What is the main risk factor for basal cell carcinoma?

Answer 2

Prolonged sun exposure or UV radiation

Question 3

What is basal cell carcinoma seen in?

Answer 3

Gorlin’s Syndrome

Question 4

What are some of the other rsik factors for basal cell carcinoma?

Answer 4

Photosensitising patch
Tar
Arsenic

Question 5

What is the epidemiology of Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Answer 5

Common in those with fair skin
Common in areas of high sunlight exposure 
Common in the elderly 
Rare before the age of 40yrs 
Lifetime risk in Caucasians = 1 in 3

Question 6

What is the presenting symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Answer 6

A chronic slowly progressive skin lesion

Question 7

Where are lesions usually found in basal cell carcinoma?

Answer 7

Face
Scalp
Ears
Trunk

Question 8

What are the Nodulo-Ulcerative (most common) signs of basal cell carcinoma on physical examination?

Answer 8

Small glistening translucent skin over a coloured papule
Slowly enlarges
Central ulcer with raised pearly edges
Fine telangiectasia over the tumour surface
Cystic change in larger lesions

Question 9

What is telangiectasia?

Answer 9

Visible small linear red lines on skin caused by widened venules

Question 10

What are the Morphoeic signs of basal cell carcinoma on physical examination?

Answer 10

Expanding
Yellow/white waxy plaque with an ill-defined edge
More aggresive than nodulo-ulcerative

Question 11

What are the superficial signs of basal cell carcinoma on physical examination?

Answer 11

Most often on trunk

Multiple pink/brown scaly plaques with a fine edge expanding slowly

Question 12

What are the pigmented signs of basal cell carcinoma on physical examination?

Answer 12

Specks of brown or black pigment may be present in any BCC