Pathophysiology

            Basal cell carcinoma is one of the slow-growing cancers. Some disordered physiological processes are known to occur with basal cell carcinoma (BCC). In most cases, they appear on the areas of the body that are exposed to the sun, like the face, head, hands, and neck. Basically, basal cells are round, and they form the layer that is under the epidermis. However, the disease does not usually spread to other body parts (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2012). From the fact that this type of cancer can still destroy other cells upon invasion, it is regarded as a deadly cancer form. Also, this type of cancer is more common in men as compared to women, with the reason being that men are more exposed to sunlight than women, mainly due to the majority of outdoor activities or work (Mandal, 2019).

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Physical Examination and Diagnosis Findings

            A dermatologist does the physical examination and diagnosis findings. This doctor will examine the skin carefully and ask some questions. Detection of a lump on the surface could be a sign of any cancer. However, for clarification purposes, a biopsy is done. The biopsy entails removing a piece of one’s skin or the lump and viewing it under the microscope (American Academy of Dermatologists, 2019). From there, he will identify the type of cancer cells. In this case, the doctor will identify the basal cells for them to diagnose one with basal cell carcinoma. As such, the ideal way to diagnose basal cell carcinoma is through a biopsy. 

Treatment Plan

            Basal cell carcinoma can be treated through pharmacological interventions. The most recommended means is through a process called surgical excision. This method entails cutting the cancer lesion on your skin as well as the surrounding healthy skin. The main reason for cutting the surrounding healthy skin is to ensure there are not stray cancer cells that have spread to other areas. The other method is through Mohs, a surgical removal technique that usually applies to areas of the body that healthy skin cannot be removed, such as around the nose (Mayo Clinic, 2019). Other techniques include freezing and light therapy, cryosurgery, and cutterage, and electrodesiccation, among others. Non-pharmacological methods are wearing protective clothing and avoiding or minimizing exposure to high sunlight.

Patient Education and Follow-ups

For follow-ups, the use of skin-applied medications is necessary. This treatment is applied to the skin to reduce the size of the cancerous tumor (Mayo Clinic, 2019). Radiation treatment can also be used as a means of follow-up. Patient education is essential in managing the condition and entails avoiding the possible potentiating factors by the use of protective clothing, avoiding middle day sun. Patient education is vital in preventing recurrence, as well as its spread. Still, on follow-ups, a skin examination on a monthly basis can be done for the detection of any changes. For assessing the effectiveness of the treatment plan, key elements can be considered, including the rate of recurrence, histologic ascertainment, and follow-ups. 

References

American Academy of Dermatologists. (2019, October 11). Basal cell carcinoma: Diagnosis and treatment. Retrieved from American Academy of Dermatologists: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/bcc/treatment

Mandal, A. (2019, February 26). Basal cell carcinoma pathophysiology. Retrieved from News Medical: https://www.news-medical.net/health/Basal-Cell-Carcinoma-Pathophysiology.aspx

Mayo Clinic. (2019, September 14). Basal cell carcinoma. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/basal-cell-carcinoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354193

National Human Genome Research Institute. (2012, October 30). About skin cancer. Retrieved from National Human Genome Research Institute: https://www.genome.gov/Genetic-Disorders/Skin-Cancer