What is the difference between basal cell carcinoma and squamous carcinoma?

What is the difference between basal cell carcinoma and squamous carcinoma?

Though this form of skin cancer is not usually life-threatening, one major difference between basal cell and squamous cell cancers is that squamous cell cancer are more likely to grow deeper into the layers of your skin and spread to other parts of the body.

How does a squamous cell carcinoma start?

Most squamous cell carcinomas of the skin result from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from sunlight or from tanning beds or lamps. Avoiding UV light helps reduce your risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and other forms of skin cancer.

How does basal cell carcinoma happen?

BCC most often occurs when DNA damage from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or indoor tanning triggers changes in basal cells in the outermost layer of skin (epidermis), resulting in uncontrolled growth.

Where does basal cell carcinoma usually occur?

Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a slightly transparent bump on the skin, though it can take other forms. Basal cell carcinoma occurs most often on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, such as your head and neck.

Is Mohs surgery necessary?

Mohs surgery is not necessary for all skin cancers, but it is useful when: The location of the skin cancer is near areas that are important for daily activities, like the fingers, or for appearance, like the nose; Earlier treatments have not worked; A tumor is large; and.

What is the difference between basal and squamous cancer?

Basal cell carcinoma arises from the deepest actively dividing layer of cells while squamous cell cancers arise from differentiated cells in upper layers of the skin. In brief, the key difference between basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma is their spread.

What is the survival rate for basal cell carcinoma?

The earlier basal cell carcinoma is diagnosed, the better the patient’s chance of survival. The therapies that are currently used for basal cell carcinoma offer an 85 to 95 percent recurrence-free cure rate. This means that the specific lesion being treated is effectively cured by the first round of treatment.

What causes stage 0 basal cell carcinoma?

Stage 0 basal cell carcinoma is the first stage of development of the most common type of skin cancer , usually caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun . In some cases, it may also be caused by toxic chemicals or genetic disorders .

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