Basal cell carcinoma

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Basal cell cancer	Basal Cell Carcinoma - close-up	Basal Cell Carcinoma - close-up	Basal Cell Carcinoma - face
Basal cell carcinoma - nose	Basal cell nevus syndrome - close-up of palm	Basal cell nevus syndrome - face and hand	Basal cell nevus syndrome - plantar pits
Multiple Basal cell cancer due to x-ray therapy for acne	Skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma - behind ear	Skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma - nose	Skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma - pigmented
Skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma - spreading

Rodent ulcer; Skin cancer - basal cell; Cancer - skin - basal cell

The best way to prevent skin cancer is to reduce your exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet light is most intense at midday, so try to avoid sun exposure during these hours. Protect the skin by wearing hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants.

Always use sunscreen:

• Apply high-quality sunscreens with SPF (sun protection factor) ratings of at least 15.
• Look for sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB light.
• Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply it frequently.
• Use sunscreen in winter, too.

Examine the skin regularly for development of suspicious growths or changes in:

• Color
• Size
• Texture
• Appearance

Also note if an existing skin sore bleeds, itches, is red and swollen (inflamed), or is painful.

Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, Inc. 2004:724-735.

Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKena WG. Clinical Oncology. 3rd ed. Orlando, Fl: Churchill Livingstone; 2004:449-452.

Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:772-773.

Review Date: 07/27/2006
Reviewed By: Shlomit Halachmi, MD, PhD, Private Practice Specializing in Dermatology, Somerville, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.