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Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma The most common non-melanoma skin cancer. It begins in the lowest layer of the epidermis, called the basal cell layer. It usually develops on sun-exposed areas, especially the head and neck. Basal cell cancer is slow-growing and is not likely to spread to distant parts of the body. A malignant skin neoplasm that seldom metastasizes but has potentialities for local invasion and destruction. Clinically it is divided into types: nodular, cicatricial, morphaic, and erythematoid (pagetoid). More than 95% of these carcinomas occur in patients over 40. They develop on hairbearing skin, most commonly on sunexposed areas. Approximately 85% are found on the head and neck area and the remaining 15% on the trunk and limbs.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Skin
Skin is an organ of the integumentary system; which is composed of a layer of tissues that protect underlying muscles and organs. Skin is used for insulation, vitamin D production, sensation, and excretion (through sweat).
Cancer
Any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream.
Epidermis
The outermost layer of skin.
Cell
Fundamental structural unit of all life. The cell consists primarily of an outer plasma membrane, which separates it from the environment; the genetic material (DNA), which encodes heritable information for the maintainance of life; and the cytoplasm, a heterogeneous assemblage of ions, molecules, and fluid.
Malignant
Cancerous; life-threatening.
Neoplasm
New and abnormal growth of tissue that may or may not cause cancer. Also called tumor.
Local
In the area of the tumor; confined to one specific area.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Basal body temperature
Temperature of a person's body taken first thing in the morning after several hours of sleep and before any activity, including getting out of bed or talking; often charted to determine the time of ovulation.
Basal cell nevus syndrome
The Gorlin syndrome.
Basal cells
Small, round cells found in the lower part, or base, of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin.
Basal ganglia
Several large clusters of nerve cells, including the striatum and the substantia nigra, deep in the brain below the cerebral hemispheres.
Basal metabolic rate
A measure of the rate of metabolism. For example, someone with an overly active thyroid will have an elevated basal metabolic rate.
Basal nuclei
"A region located at the base of the brain composed of 4 clusters of neurons, or nerve cells. This area of the brain is responsible for body movement and coordination. The groups of neurons most prominently and consistently affected in Huntington disease -- the pallidum and striatum -- are located in the basal nuclei. (The pallidum is composed of structures called the globus pallidus and the ventral pallidum while the striatum consists of the caudate nucleus, putamen, and ventral striatum.) The basal nuclei are also called the basal ganglia. The term ""basal"" refers to the location of these collections of neurons (nuclei or ganglia) deep within the brain, seemingly at its very base."
Basal Rate
Refers to a continuous supply of low levels of insulin, as in insulin pump therapy.
Basal thermometer
Colloquially used as a synonym for basal temperature. Any thermometer can be used to take the basal temperature, although special digital thermometers that are capable of storing and tracking basal temperatures over a period of time are available.
Basal/Bolus Insulin Administration
Using several daily injections of fast-acting insulin (e.g., NovoLog, Humalog, or Regular), at mealtimes -- the bolus doses -- together with one or more daily injections of long acting insulin (e.g., Lantus, UltraLente, or NPH) -- the basal doses -- to achieve blood sugar control in a manner similar to that used by people who use insulin pumps.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Blood Glucose
The primary source of energy for the brain. Elevated blood glucose levels cause diabetes and accelerate aging.
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Biopsy
Surgical removal of a piece of tissue from a person for microscopic examination to make a diagnosis (eg to determine whether abnormal cells such as cancer cells are present).
Base
A chemical compound that either donates hydroxide ions or absorbs hydrogen ions when dissolved in water. Bases and acids are referred to as opposites because the effect of an acid is to increase the hydronium ion concentration in water, whereas bases reduce this concentration. Arrhenius bases are water-soluble and always have a pH greater than 7 in solution.
B-Endorphin
A hormone derived from the pituitary that induces opiate-like responses to decrease pain. The release of its precursor hormone (B-lipotropin) requires cyclic AMP.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Brain stem glioma
A tumor located in the part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord (the brain stem). It may grow rapidly or slowly, depending on the grade of the tumor.
Brain tumor
A brain tumor is any mass created by an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells either found in the brain (neurons, glial cells, epithelial cells, myelin producing cells, etc.) or spread from elsewhere (metastasis). Brain tumors are usually located in the posterior third of the brain in childhood and in the anterior two-thirds of the brain in adulthood.
Breast cancer
A malignant disease of breast tissue. Incidence increases with age and risk factors include a family history of breast cancer, late menopause, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Initial symptoms may include a small painless lump, thick or dimpled skin, or nipple retraction.
Bronchi
The two respiratory tubes branching into the two lungs at the lower end of the trachea. They branch into progressively smaller passageways, the bronchioles, and finally reach the alveoli, the location where gas exchange occurs.
Bladder
A muscular triangular-shaped, hollow organ located in the pelvic cavity and supported by the pelvic floor muscles. The bladder stretches to store urine and contracts to release urine.
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