Basal cell carcinoma can be broken into three main categories: superficial, nodular, and infiltrative. Nodular basal cell carcinoma is the most common subtype and presents as a pink, pearly papule with overlying telangiectasias and rolled borders. It commonly occurs on the head and neck, and it is a slow-growing papule that will often ulcerate and bleed. The latter may mislead male patients to dismiss the neoplasm as a cut while shaving. Superficial basal cell carcinoma presents as a thin, pink plaque, papule, or macule with a pink, pearly border that is most commonly seen on the chest, back, or extremities. Infiltrative basal cell carcinomas include infiltrative, micronodular, and morpheaform subtypes. Morpheaform basal cell carcinoma presents as a firm, scar-like plaque and should be considered in the presentation of a new scar without previous trauma to the area. Infiltrative and micronodular basal cell carcinoma present similarly to nodular basal cell carcinoma as pink, pearly papules with overlying telangiectasias.

Basal cell carcinoma is in the differential for a new, pink, pearly papule of the head, neck, or trunk. Papules will often ulcerate and bleed. The clinical history can assist in ruling out more acute lesions, such as acneiform papules, as patients often report a nonhealing or intermittently bleeding lesion noticeable for several weeks to months.  A biopsy and histopathologic review can confirm the diagnosis of a clinically suspicious lesion. On histology, the three main categories differ in their microscopic presentation. Nodular basal cell carcinoma presents as large, blue islands with peripheral palisading of cells. Clefting between the collagen and the palisaded cells is common. Basal cell carcinoma has a distinct fibromyxoid stroma on histology.  Superficial basal cell carcinoma shows a palisaded border of blue basal cells budding from the epidermis. The infiltrative types of basal cell carcinoma show small islands of blue tumor cells diving between collagen bundles. The morpheaform subtype has a sclerotic stroma, which correlates with the scar-like clinical appearance.[5][6]

Surgical excision is the gold standard for basal cell carcinoma treatment. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for basal cell carcinoma has the highest cure rate with a 2.5% 5-year recurrence rate. MMS is most appropriate in infiltrative basal cell carcinoma, recurrent lesions, tumors with poorly-defined borders, or in anatomical areas in need of tissue conservation. For tumors that do not meet MMS-appropriate criteria, surgical excision with 4-mm margins is recommended, which portends a 4.1% 5-year recurrence rate. Curettage with electrodesiccation for nodular or superficial basal cell carcinoma is a common treatment option at the time of biopsy when clinical suspicion is high. This method has a 5-year recurrence rate of 7.7%. [7][8]

Chemotherapy creams, including imiquimod 5% cream and 5-fluorouracil 5% cream, are FDA approved for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma. Imiquimod stimulates toll-like receptor 7, which modifies the local innate and adaptive immune response. 5-fluorouracil is a thymidylate synthase inhibitor, and application leads to a local decrease in the formation of thymidine. Thymidine is a purine that is necessary for DNA replication. Treatment regimens vary, but on average, both creams require application over multiple weeks. A major benefit over surgical intervention is that they can be used in cosmetically sensitive areas as they are less likely to cause scarring.

Vismodegib was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012 for locally advanced and metastatic lesions of basal cell carcinoma. Vismodegib works on the Sonic Hedgehog pathway by acting as a smoothened inhibitor, which decreases unregulated cell growth in both sporadic and syndromic basal cell carcinoma lesions.

• Dermatitis

• Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma

• Ringworm

• Intradermal nevus

• Lichenoid benign keratosis

• Eczema

• Fibroepithelioma of Pinkus

• Actinic keratosis

• Sebaceous hyperplasia

• Keratoacanthoma

• Nevi malignant melanoma

• Seborrheic keratosis

• Metastatic malignancies

• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides)

• Bowen disease

   

   

The best treatment of basal cell carcinoma of any type is prevention with adequate protection from ultraviolet light exposure. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or greater, reapplied every two hours while outdoors. Daily sunscreen should be encouraged to all patients, especially those who spend increased time outside. Many daily facial moisturizers and foundational makeup have SPF sun protection; these cosmeceuticals should not replace regular sunscreen application when outside, but rather they should be viewed as an additional layer of protection. Other sun-protective measures include wearing a hat that shades the ears and neck and sunglasses. Tanning bed use should be strongly discouraged, as it greatly increases the risk for all types of skin cancer.

Basal cell cancer is a common presentation in the outpatient clinic. While the dermatologist or the plastic surgeon manages the majority of basal cell cancers, other healthcare workers need to know the presenting features- so that an appropriate referral can be made. The majority of basal cell cancers remain localized, and metastatic spread is rare. However, if treatment is delayed, these cancers can invade local tissue and cause severe cosmetic problems, including loss of vision. The best way to treat basal cell cancers is to prevent them in the first place, and this means patient education by physicians and nurses. Patients should be told to avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen when going outdoors. In addition, a wide brim hat and long-sleeved garments can also protect against the harmful effects of UV light. Pharmacists should review prescriptions for topical medications and counsel patients about their use and potential side effects. Dermatology and plastic surgery nurses provide patient education, arrange follow up, and report changes or issues to the team.

Finally, patients should be taught the warning signs of basal cell cancer and when to seek medical help. The outcomes for most patients with basal cell cancer are excellent, but long-term follow up is necessary as there is a chance of recurrence.[9][1]