Basalioma treatment

Basalioma is a cancerous disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division in the top layer of the skin – the epidermis. Basalioma occurs in the lower part of the epidermis. This part is called the basal cell layer.

Basal cells constantly divide and provide regeneration of the skin, layer by layer. New basal cells, as they divide and grow, gradually move toward the outer layer. Eventually, the basal cells turn into squamous cells, which protect the human body from harmful factors.

Basalioma is also known by such names as basal cell carcinoma or basal cell cancer.

The vast majority of first-time identified basaliom are inextricably linked to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, as well as from artificial sources of radiation, such as tanning beds.

Ultraviolet radiation can cause various mutations in the DNA of human basal skin cells. DNA is a special chemical that is found in every cell in our body. It makes up our genes, which control the function of all cells.

Scientists have been able to find out that when basaloma develops, the PTCH1 or PTCH2 genes are most often mutated. These are special, so-called suppressor genes that usually control cell growth and division. Their mutation can lead to uncontrolled growth and division of all epidermal layers, including the basal layer.

Basal cell carcinoma most often occurs on unprotected areas of the skin that are most exposed to ultraviolet light – face, head, neck. Since basal cells are an integral part of the entire skin, basalioma can occur on the body and extremities.

Basalioma rarely metastasizes and tends to grow slowly. Some specialists regard basal cell cancer as an intermediate form between malignant and benign lesions. However, the patient needs to understand that basalioma necessarily requires treatment, because the tumor cells can spread and damage deeper tissues, all the way down to the bone.

If not removed completely, basal cell cancer can return (recur) to the same spot on the skin. People who have had basal cell skin cancer are more likely to get other cancers.

Specialists also identify a number of reasons that may increase a patient’s chances of getting basal cell cancer. These are called risk factors. Risk factors for basalioma include:

• Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is thought to be the main risk factor for most skin cancers.
• Light skin tone. Anyone can get skin cancer, but people with lighter skin tones have a much higher risk than people with naturally darker skin tones. This is because people with fair skin have low levels of melanin, which is the protective pigment of human skin. Melanin protects the skin from overexposure to the sun’s rays.
• Patients with albinism have a high chance of getting basalioma. The protective skin pigment may be completely absent in albinism. This disease is hereditary in nature.
• Older and advanced age. Older patients have a higher chance of getting basal cell carcinoma compared to the younger population. This is most likely due to longer exposure to sunlight on unprotected areas of the skin.
• Male gender. Studies show that the chances of getting basalioma are higher if the patient’s gender is male.
• Exposure to chemicals. Basalioma is more common in people who are in constant contact with arsenic, coal tar, paraffin, and petroleum products. Arsenic can be found in pesticide production, as well as in untreated water from wells.
• Radiation. Patients who have previously been treated for other cancers with radiation therapy have a higher chance of getting skin cancer. To a greater extent, this affects children who have been treated for cancer with radiation therapy.
• Scars from severe burns, as well as skin damaged by certain inflammatory skin diseases, are more likely to develop skin cancer, although the risk is generally low.
• Treatment of psoriasis (chronic inflammatory skin disease) with psoralen and ultraviolet light.
• Associated diseases and infections. Xeroderma pigmentosum, basal cell nevus syndrome, and other hereditary skin diseases increase a patient’s chances of getting basalioma or other skin cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) can provoke the development of skin cancer. Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a group of more than 150 viruses. According to experts, certain types of HPVs that affect the genital and anal areas and the skin around the nails may be associated with the development of basalioma in these areas.
• Weakened immunity. People with a weakened immune system are more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer. The immune system helps the body fight skin and other organ cancers. The immune system can be weakened by taking immunosuppressive therapy, which is prescribed after organ transplants. Patients with HIV infection can get basalioma on the background of a weakened immune system.

Treatment with high doses of corticosteroid drugs can also weaken the immune system. It can also increase the risk of skin cancer.