Background
Basal cell cancer is the most common form of skin tumour. In Sweden, around 35,000 new cases are identified every year among a population of 8.8 million people. The real figure is probably larger, but as cases of BCC are not yet routinely reported to the cancer registry, it is not possible to provide a more accurate figure. Exposure to UV radiation is an important factor in the occurrence of basal cell cancer. Around 80% of the cases identified primarily affect the head, neck and face.
There are three main types of basaliomas. The most common form is nodular BCC, which resembles a raised, skin-coloured wart. Superficial basalioma is the next most common form, and it often resembles eczema at the start - a reddish, scaly patch that very often turns into a lesion. The least common form is known as morpheaform, and primarily affects the face. This form spreads diffusely in the skin with "octopus-like"growths. If you have suffered from some form of basal cell carcinoma, there is an increased risk of new lesions occurring. These tumours seldom cause secondary tumours. They grow slowly and locally in the skin. Basaliomas destroy the skin, which can be particularly serious if the tumour is located on the face.
Treatment
A number of different treatment methods can be used for BCC. The most common are surgery and cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. Photodynamic therapy is particularly suitable for thin BCCs on cosmetically sensitive areas of skin.