Zion - Fear to Faith Magazine

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA
Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma
begins in the basal cells — a type of cell within the skin that produces
new skin cells as old ones die off. 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. Most basal cell
carcinomas are thought to be caused by long-term exposure to
ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. Avoiding the sun and using
sunscreen may help protect against basal cell carcinoma. In order to
assess any growths or changes in your skin, your doctor or a specialist
in skin conditions (dermatologist) will conduct a medical history and
exam. Your doctor may do a skin biopsy, which involves removing a
small sample of a lesion for testing in a laboratory. This will reveal
whether you have skin cancer and, if so, what type of skin cancer. The
type of skin biopsy you undergo will depend on the type and size of
the lesion.