B. Basal cell carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma: 

It is a slow growing cutaneous tumor found in sites subjected to chronic sun exposure with most tumors seen in the triangular area on the face; between the angle of mouth, eye & tragus of ear. 

These lesions do not generally metastasize, but can be locally invasive 

Common in whites, increases with immunosuppression & with inherited defects in DNA repair/ replication.

Key Questions & Answers 

1. Mention the common sites of occurrence

It includes the sun exposed areas of head and neck region. It is most common in the triangular area on the face; between the angle of mouth, eye & tragus of ear.

2. Mention the characteristic features of BCC

a. Distinctive locally aggressive cutaneous tumor

b. Slow growing tumor that rarely metastasize.

c. Usually present as pearly papules containing prominent dilated subepidermal blood vessels.

d. Known for extensive local invasion of bone or facial sinuses rightly called rodent ulcer.

e. Tumor cells resemble those in normal basal layer of epidermis.

f. Do not occur on mucosal surfaces.

g. Two patterns of growth recognized multifocal and nodular.

h. Cells at the periphery of the tumor cell islands tend to be arranged radially with their long axes in parallel alignment (palisading).

i. Retraction of stroma away from tumor islands creates clefts or separation artefacts.

3. What are the predisposing factors?

UV rays of the sunlight and genetic factors