A doctor explained the causes of basal cell skin cancer

The annual growth of cancer diseases is one of the main concerns of oncologists. The leaders are not only lung, stomach and breast cancer, but also skin malignancies, among which one of the most common is basal cell cancer (basalioma). What is its cause, and what methods of treatment are successfully used today, told "Izvestia" doctor-surgeon "SM-Clinica" Ildus Mukhametov January 31.

"Basal cell cancer is mostly found in the elderly. Unfortunately, in recent years, the incidence of skin cancer is only increasing. Just last year in our country was identified about 80 thousand cases of basalioma, although even 7-8 years ago such cases were 1.5 times less," - said the specialist.

The tumor develops in the deepest basal layer of the epidermis. In a normal state, basal cells play an important role in the processes of skin renewal. But in some situations, instead of regenerative function, such cells can mutate and degenerate into cancer. Externally, basalioma looks like a small flat spot or convex growth of different colors (from pink to brown), resembling an ordinary mole. Over time, the neoplasm begins to peel and become covered with small ulcers, the doctor explained.

According to Mukhametov, basalioma mainly appears on exposed parts of the body - on the back, face (in the nose or eyelid area), neck and arms - in those places that are most exposed to ultraviolet light (sunlight or tanning beds) - one of the causes of basal cell skin cancer.

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"People with fair skin, especially phototype I and II, should take better care of their health and not forget the dangers of sunbathing. Sunbathing at the sea is great, of course, but not during lunch hours. Excessive insolation increases the risk of damage to healthy skin cells and the development of cancer. And along with a "chocolate" tan, people can get a cancerous tumor. Agree, this is far from the most pleasant thing you can expect from a trip to the south," the surgeon warned.

At the same time, he added that such a factor as age should not be discounted. According to experts, basal cell cancer affects mainly people 55-70 years old. The older a person is, the higher the probability of basal cell mutation. However, with all its prevalence (basaloma - about 85% of cases, squamous cell cancer - about 20% and melanoma - 4% of cases in the world) basal cell cancer is the least dangerous. It grows very slowly, over many years, and rarely metastasizes.

Among other causes of basalioma formation, the doctor named constant traumatization of convex moles on the body and work in harmful industries (close contact with carcinogens).

Speaking about the way out, which offers modern medicine in the case of basalioma, the expert said that currently many oncologists in Russia and abroad successfully use photodynamic therapy.

"This technique has many advantages, among the main ones - the effectiveness of almost 98%, minimal risks of relapses and extremely low level of intoxication of the body. Contrast agent accumulates mainly in tumor tissues without damaging healthy cells. In addition, the procedure provides an excellent cosmetic result - after the removal of basaloma wounds on the face or body quickly heal without leaving noticeable scars, "- summarized Mukhametov.

Earlier, on January 28, Magomed Sulimanov, oncologist, consultant of the Resymon platform, told Izvestia that prostate cancer is the most common cancer of the genitourinary system in men. The disease is most often diagnosed in patients aged 50 to 70. Among the main risk factors for tumor development are, among others, improper lifestyle, environmental influences, and genetic predisposition.