Basal cell carcinoma: Epidemiology; pathophysiology; clinical and histological subtypes; and disease associations

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 Feb;80(2):303-317. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2018.03.060. Epub 2018 May 18.

Abstract

As the most common human cancer worldwide and continuing to increase in incidence, basal cell carcinoma is associated with significant morbidity and cost. Continued advances in research have refined both our insight and approach to this seemingly ubiquitous disease. This 2-part continuing medical education article will provide a comprehensive and contemporary review of basal cell carcinoma. The first article in this series describes our current understanding of this disease regarding epidemiology, cost, clinical and histopathologic presentations, carcinogenesis, natural history, and disease associations.

Keywords: BCC; associations; basal cell carcinoma; cost; epidemiology; genetics; keratinocyte carcinoma; natural history; nonmelanoma skin cancer; skin cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Carcinogenesis / radiation effects
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / epidemiology*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / physiopathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / epidemiology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Skin Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects*