Basal cell carcinoma – social epidemiology and risk factors

Medical Review (Med. pregled), 2023, 59(6), 5-12.

N. Zgurova

Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Pathology, Latin Language, Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Faculty of Medicine, University “Prof. Dr Asen Zlatarov” – Burgas MHAT “Heart and Brain” – Burgas

Abstract. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in humans. It is characterized by a slowly growing tumor formation with local destructive effect and involvement of neighboring structures in case of inadequate treatment. Metastases are rare. It most often develops in damaged areas exposed to ultraviolet rays, but a number of studies show the development of basal cell carcinoma in patients with a history of squamous cell carcinoma. The incidence of BCC also increases with age, with a median age of diagnosis of 68 years. Understanding the causes of BCC and the factors that are associated with the risk of developing it can help prevent the disease or detect it in its earliest stages when it is indicated for surgical intervention.

Key words: basal cell carcinoma, etilogy, risk factors

Address for correspondence: Nedyalka Zgurova, MD, e-mail: n.zgurova.bs@heartandbrain.bg