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Gorlin Syndrome Group

Supporting patients, their families and carers
 
Registered Charity No: 1096361
Supporting patients, their families, friends and carers affected by Gorlin Syndrome
Home      About the Syndrome      Basel Cell Carcinomas




Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC)

BCCs can arise in any area of the skin, affecting the face, neck and upper trunk more often than the abdomen, lower trunk and extremities. The areas around the eyes, the nose, the cheek bones and the upper lip are the most frequently afected sites on the face. Usually only a few become aggressive, when they are locally invasive and behave like ordinary BCCs.

Evidence of aggressive transformation of an individual lesion includes an increase in size, ulceration, bleeding, or crusting. Some patients can develop aggressive BCCs without first developing naevi.



What are Basal Cell Carcinomas?
Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer in the general population. BCCs in members of the general population are associated with excess exposure to sun, and therefore appear on the sun exposed parts of the body, usually the face. In Gorlin Syndrome, the BCCs can also occur on other areas of the body which have not been exposed to the sun.

Although the name 'carcinoma' is very frightening, skin cancer can be cured if recognised and treated.

90% of patients with the syndrome will develop rodent ulcers (also called basal cell carcinomas) at some stage in their life.

If you have had one BCC, it is likely that others MAY develop over the years. 



How do we prevent BCCs?

 
Systematically look and feel for any changes in your skin. Ask your partner, a relative or friend to examine your back, neck, ears and scalp. Alternatively a mirror can be used.
 
 
Wear protective clothing (long sleeved, high density cool shirts/blouses) and wear brimmed hats when outdoors. These will protect the skin areas most at risk.
 
 
Wear 100% UV protective sunglasses as the skin surrounding the eyes
  .

Skcin Website
 
offers further information about skin cancer. Written by medical professionals specialising in all areas of skin cancer including detection, prevention, surgery and cure, this site offers a comprehensive one-stop interactive information point. 



Remember, BCCs are curable - Recognise the early warning signs.
 
 
BCCs frequently appear as an open sore or ulcer. It may bleed or crust, but does not heal.
BCC Graphic
 
 
BCCs can look like a red patch on the skin which may be itchy, painful or crusty. Sometimes no symptoms are felt but the lesion does not heal or fade.
BCC Graphic 2
 
 
A smooth raised growth can appear with an ulcer in the centre. These BCCs can be flesh coloured, pink, red or brown like a mole.
BCC Graphic 3
 
 
BCCs can also look like a firm nodule in the skin. These too can appear flesh coloured, pink, shiny, red or pigmented like a mole.
BCC Graphic 4
 
BCCs can take on the appearance of a flat scarred area in the skin. This area appears pale or white compared to the surrounding skin and may have an ulcer or indentation in the centre. This form of BCC can grow more quickly, making the affected skin look taught and shiny.
BCC Graphic 5


 
 
 
 
Written and produced by Professor P A Farndon, Clinical Geneticist at the National Genetics Education and Development Centre UK, Jim Costello (deceased) & Margaret Costello, unless otherwise stated.