[Basal cell carcinoma]

Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent of all cancers. Its incidence has risen those last decades because of the increase in sun exposure habits. People with light skin complexion are particularly at risk. Ionizing radiations, arsenicism, various genodermatoses (Gorlin syndrome, xeroderma pigmentosum, nevus sebaceous) are other pre-disposing factors. Basal cell carcinoma usually present as small lesion with a pearly border and telangiectasias. Other clinical types must also be recognized such as the nodular, the infiltrative, the superficial and the pigmented forms. They are usually located on the head and trunk. The prognosis of basal cell carcinoma is usually good since they can be cured by surgical excision and because they usually do not metastasize. However, large, multiple or recurrent basal cell carcinomas can be difficult to treat. In these cases, cryosurgery, radiotherapy or intralesional interferon-alfa may be needed.