Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that most often develops on areas of skin exposed to the sun, such as the face. On white skin, basal cell carcinoma often looks like a bump that’s skin-colored or pink.

How does skin cancer relate to the integumentary system?

When the DNA that controls the cells’ growth is damaged, it causes an overgrowth and buildup of skin cells. Eventually, this skin cell buildup forms a tumor, which results in the symptoms you see, such as irregular spots, red bumps, or scaly patches on your skin.

What is basal cell carcinoma simple definition?

(BAY-sul sel KAR-sih-NOH-muh) Cancer that begins in the lower part of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). It may appear as a small white or flesh-colored bump that grows slowly and may bleed. Basal cell carcinomas are usually found on areas of the body exposed to the sun.

What body systems are affected by basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is a slow growing skin tumor. It usually does not spread to distant parts of the body or into the blood stream. Basal cell carcinoma does spread on the skin and can become quite large over time. If left untreated, it can spread to the muscles, nerves, bones, brain, and in rare cases, cause death.

What does the term basal cell mean?

A small, round cell found in the lower part (or base) of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin.

Skin Cancer: Basal, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma, Actinic Keratosis Nursing NCLEX

How does skin cancer affect the body systems?

If it is not treated, it can grow larger and cause problems beneath the skin, sometimes damaging the muscles and bones. Basal cell carcinoma very rarely spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body. After you have one basal cell carcinoma, you are more likely to have another one develop in a new place.

What does the skin do in the integumentary system?

The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system. One of the main functions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature.

What disease affects the integumentary system?

Skin Diseases

Acne. What is acne? …
Alopecia Areata. What is alopecia areata? …
Atopic Dermatitis. What is atopic dermatitis? …
Epidermolysis Bullosa. What is epidermolysis bullosa? …
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) …
Ichthyosis. …
Pachyonychia Congenita. …
Pemphigus.

What causes basal cell carcinoma?

Most basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are caused by repeated and unprotected skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight, as well as from man-made sources such as tanning beds. UV rays can damage the DNA inside skin cells.

What is basal cell carcinoma for kids?

Basal cell carcinoma.

It’s a very treatable cancer. It starts in the basal cell layer of the skin (epidermis) and grows very slowly. The cancer usually appears as a small, shiny bump or nodule on the skin. It occurs mainly on areas exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, arms, hands, and face.

What happens if you have basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinomas rarely spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Instead, they invade and slowly destroy surrounding tissues. When basal cell carcinomas grow near the eyes, ears, mouth, bone, or brain, the consequences of spread can be serious and can lead to death.

What body system does skin cancer affect?

Skin cancer most commonly affects areas of skin that are exposed to the sun but may develop almost anywhere on the body, including underneath fingernails and in the genital area. If left untreated, skin cancer can grow deep into the skin and spread through the rest of the body, causing serious complications.

Does basal cell carcinoma affect your immune system?

Prior skin cancer: People who have previously had basal cell carcinomas or other types of skin cancer are at higher risk for developing new ones in other areas. Weakened immune system: Certain medical conditions and drugs weaken the immune system, increasing people’s risk for developing cancer.

Where on the body do basal cell carcinomas commonly occur?

Basal cell carcinoma

These cancers start in the basal cell layer, which is the lower part of the epidermis. These cancers usually develop on sun-exposed areas, especially the face, head, and neck. They tend to grow slowly.

Is your immune system compromised with skin cancer?

Skin cancers in people with weakened immune systems tend to grow faster and are more likely to be fatal. Treatment with large doses of corticosteroid drugs can also weaken the immune system. This may also increase a person’s risk of skin cancer.

What is a basal in medical terms?

Medical Definition of basal

1 : relating to, situated at, or forming the base. 2 : of, relating to, or essential for maintaining the fundamental vital activities of an organism (as respiration, heartbeat, or excretion) a basal diet — see basal metabolism.

Can basal cell carcinoma go away on its own?

Basal cell carcinomas may appear to heal on their own but inevitably will recur.

What is the survival rate for basal cell carcinoma?

The 5-year relative survival for BCC is 100%. This means that, on average, all of the people diagnosed with BCC are just as likely to live at least 5 years after their diagnosis as people in the general population. The 5-year relative survival for SCC is slightly less at 95%.

What will happen if basal cell carcinoma is left untreated?

Basal cell carcinoma is a slow growing skin tumor. It usually does not spread to distant parts of the body or into the blood stream. Basal cell carcinoma does spread on the skin and can become quite large over time. If left untreated, it can spread to the muscles, nerves, bones, brain, and in rare cases, cause death.

Is skin cancer an integumentary disease?

The integumentary system is susceptible to a variety of diseases, disorders, and injuries. These range from annoying but relatively benign bacterial or fungal infections that are categorized as disorders, to skin cancer and severe burns, which can be fatal.

What are the diseases of the integumentary system?

Skin Diseases

Acne. What is acne? …
Alopecia Areata. What is alopecia areata? …
Atopic Dermatitis. What is atopic dermatitis? …
Epidermolysis Bullosa. What is epidermolysis bullosa? …
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) …
Ichthyosis. …
Pachyonychia Congenita. …
Pemphigus.

What is the most common disease of the integumentary system?

What are the Most Common Diseases and Disorders of the Integumentary System?

Acne – Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. …
Birthmarks – many people are born with birthmarks.