What is basal cell carcinoma?

➢ common slow-growing cancer that rarely metastasizes. ➢ It tends to occur at sites subject to chronic sun exposure and in lightly pigmented individuals. ➢ Basal cell carcinomas manifest as pearly papules, often with prominent, dilated subepidermal blood vessels (telangiectasia). ➢ Some tumors contain melanin pigment and can have an appearance similar to melanocytic nevi or melanomas. ➢ Microscopically, the tumor cells resemble the normal epidermal basal cell layer or follicular germinative elements. ➢ Because they arise from either the epidermis or the follicular epithelium, they are not encountered on mucosal surfaces.