[Basal cell cancer--current research sheds new light]

Although the aetiology of common skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), is unknown, epidemiological findings suggest that, in addition to genetic predisposition, excessive exposure to UV-light, especially in the form of episodes of intensive sunburn, is a crucial aetiological factor. Biologically, BCC may vary from superficial, relatively benign tumours to aggressive infiltrating tumours. Hereditary BCC (Gorlin's syndrome) is most probably caused by inactivation of a tumour suppressor gene on chromosome 9q, and recent findings suggest that this gene may also be involved in common sporadic cases of BCC.