Basal cell carcinoma: pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, histopathology, and management

Yale J Biol Med. 2015 Jun 1;88(2):167-79. eCollection 2015 Jun.

Abstract

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy. Exposure to sunlight is the most important risk factor. Most, if not all, cases of BCC demonstrate overactive Hedgehog signaling. A variety of treatment modalities exist and are selected based on recurrence risk, importance of tissue preservation, patient preference, and extent of disease. The pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, histopathology, and management of BCC will be discussed in this review.

Keywords: BCC; ED&C; Mohs surgery; basal cell carcinoma; electrodesiccation and curettage; surgical excision.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / epidemiology
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / therapy*
  • Case Management / organization & administration*
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Debridement / methods
  • Environmental Exposure / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Mohs Surgery / methods
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Skin Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Sunlight

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents