Basal cell cancer is among the common skin cancers that affect most people across the world. That small, dark or pinkish or pearly white bump on your neck, head or nose could be a sign of basal cell carcinoma. If the basal cell cancer isn't screened, diagnosed and treated early, it could spread to other tissues. Here's what the doctor will do if they suspect basal cell cancer during a skin check:
Examine the Skin Bump
The doctor will want to know when you first saw the skin lump and if its appearance has changed so far. They may also ask you if the lump has been bleeding, itchy or painful. During the physical examination, the doctor may also want to know if you often go tanning, experience severe sunburns or are on any skin treatment and if you or your family members had been diagnosed with skin cancer in the past.
The doctor will check the skin bump's texture, colour, shape and size. If the basal cell cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, the lymph node cells will feel like lumps. If the skin bumps don't show clear features, the dermatologist may use a surface microscope or dermatoscope—a special magnifying lens—to see them more clearly. The doctor may apply a thin layer of oil or alcohol on the suspected area, especially when taking a digital photo of the skin bump.
Take a Skin Biopsy
If the shiny bump is a sign of basal cell cancer, the doctor may remove part of it—called a skin biopsy—and send it to the lab for a test. If the test confirms basal cell cancer, the doctor may remove the entire tumour. The type of skin biopsy a doctor takes depends on the skin bump's size and location and the type of cancer suspected. After taking a shave biopsy, incisional biopsy or punch biopsy, the doctor will then examine the sample to identify the stage of the basal cell cancer.
Recommend Care After Treatment
The doctor may prescribe some pills and creams to treat basal cell cancer, but they may also recommend surgery if the skin bump is large and located in a sensitive area, if it reappeared after being treated or if it has been there for a while. Avoid being in the sun for too long after treatment and apply sunscreen on the skin areas your clothes won't cover. If you have to stay outdoors for several hours, reapply sunscreen every 60 minutes. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a broad-brimmed hat to avoid too much sun, avoid tanning beds and don't skip any of the skin checks your doctor recommends.
Share28 January 2020
Hello, my name is Catherine and this is my blog all about health and medical topics. I was inspired to start this blog by my husband who works in a hospital. He isn't a doctor, he works in a lab testing blood samples. However, he is extremely interested in medicine. When his grandma got sick, he quickly established what might be wrong and got her all the help she needed. Sometimes is the evening, we sit and read textbooks and talk about medicine. It sounds insane but we both really like it. I decided to start this blog to show off some of what I have learnt.