Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, usually occurring in the basal cells of the outer layer of the skin. It often appears as a slow-growing, white, or waxy lump and is usually caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body, prompt treatment, such as surgical removal, is necessary to prevent local tissue damage. The assessment of the Polygenic Risk Score for basal cell carcinoma is based on the examination of 68 gene polymorphisms.
Genetic testing for basal cell carcinoma is included along with 12 other diseases in the Genetic Screening for Sensory Organs and Skin Diseases, Polygenic Risk Score, as well as in the Genetic Screening for Neoplasms and Precancerous Malformations, Polygenic Risk Score, along with 19 other diseases.
Causes and non-genetic risk factors
Most basal cell carcinomas are due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. This can cause mutations in the DNA of these cells that make them cancerous. Basal cell carcinomas have an important hereditary component so that people with a family history or who have already suffered from this type of cancer are more predisposed to develop it. Among the non-genetic risk factors that may contribute to its development are:
- Exposure to UV radiation. Most basal cell carcinomas are caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun, tanning lamps, and commercial tanning beds. Severe sunburns also increase your risk
- Using this methodology to treat other conditions may predispose the area to this type of cancer
- Fair skin. The risk is higher among people with fair skin, freckles, or who burn easily
- Most develop in people over the age of 45 because basal cell carcinoma sometimes takes decades to develop
- Immunosuppressive drugs
- Exposure to arsenic
- Hereditary syndromes such as xeroderma pigmentosum or Gorlin-Goltz syndrome
Symptoms
It usually manifests itself on the parts of the body most exposed to the sun, especially on the face and neck. It appears as a skin lesion that usually has some of these characteristics:
- Skin-colored, shiny-appearing bump
- Brown, black, or bluish lesion
- A flat, scaly patch
- A whitish, waxy, scar-like lesion without defined borders
Prevention
The most important causative factor is UV radiation absorbed by skin cells, which causes DNA mutations. To reduce the risk of basal cell carcinoma, the following measures are recommended:
- Reduce exposure to sunlight, especially in the middle of the day. Always wear sunscreen, long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and hats. Ultraviolet light is more intense at higher altitudes, and special care should also be taken when practicing winter sports such as skiing.
- Avoid self-tanning cameras.
- High-risk persons should self-examine once a month. They should also visit a dermatologist regularly for examinations to detect precancerous lesions at an early stage.
