The initial stage of basalioma
introduction
The basalioma is the most common tumor in the world. It is a tumor that originates in the basal cell layer of the skin. Detrimental factors for a basalioma are white skin, UV radiation and old age; this is due to the increase in UV exposure with increasing age.
Other influencing factors are chemical noxae and genetic predispositions.
Read more on the subject here: White skin cancer
In Germany, an average of 130,000 per year develop basalioma. Women and men are equally affected. The average age of onset is around 60 years, with patients becoming increasingly younger in recent years.
Due to the low risk of metastasis and the very rare fatal course, basalioma is one of the 'semi-malignant' tumors.
Read more on this topic at: Prognosis for a basalioma
Forms of basalioma
A distinction is made between a number of different forms of the basalioma.
Based on the histological differentiation and composition of the cells, the WHO currently distinguishes the following subspecies:
Multifocal superficial basal cell carcinoma (superficial multicenter)
Solid nodular basal cell carcinoma
Adenoid nodular basal cell carcinoma
Cystic nodular basal cell carcinoma
Infiltrative basal cell carcinoma, non-sclerosing, sclerosing (desmoplastic, morphea-like)
Fibroepithelial basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma with adnexoid differentiation, follicular, eccrine
Basosquamous carcinoma
Keratotic basal cell carcinoma
Pigmented basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma in basal cell nevus syndrome
Micronodular basal cell carcinoma
The individual subtypes show different forms of growth. Superficial tumors are less prone to infiltrative growth than ulcerating ones. In practice, however, one often comes across mixed forms. The assignment of the individual forms is very difficult for a layperson.
Staging of the basalioma
In general, according to the WHO, the UICC classification applies to basaliomas and their staging. This means that the prognosis and therapy are based on the criteria Size, lymph node metastases and distant metastases. As already mentioned, the basalioma metastasizes only in 1: 1000 cases, this classification is useless in practice.
The desired therapy is usually always one Total resection of basalioma. In today's practice, the following assessment criteria are used to estimate the extent of the resection and possible therapy:
- Clinical tumor size (horizontal tumor diameter)
- localization
- Basalioma type
- Histological depth (vertical tumor diameter)
- Therapeutic safety margin (for resection)
How do you recognize a basalioma?
Basaliomas are found only on hairy skinbecause they come from stem cells in the hair follicles. Conversely, this means that basaliomas never grow in the area of the mucous membranes. Especially areas of skin that are often the UV radiation are predisposed e.g. Face, hands, arms.
Read about this: Basalioma of the eye, Basalioma of the nose, Basalioma on the ear, Basalioma on the face
Outwardly, basaliomas are usually nodular with a pearl-like border. In the surrounding tissue one often sees vascular sprouting. In the further course, central hangovers can usually be observed.
As a general rule Basaliomas grow rather slowly. It can take months to years before they are even recognized.
When should I see a dermatologist?
In general, it is recommended to go to a dermatologist for mole checkups on a regular basis, especially if there is a family history.
Frequent UV exposure with insufficient UV protection also poses a high risk. Observed abnormalities of the skin should therefore be clarified if the previous exposure is known.
If an abnormality, as described in the previous paragraph, persists for a long time, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.
