The most frequent occurring type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. It is uncontrolled and abnormal growths or lesions, arising from hair-bearing skin. In the basal cell that lines the deepest layer of the epidermis. They appear on the surface of the skin and may look as open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, or scars. They may be caused by accumulation of intense, or even occasional, sun exposure.1 Basal cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes from it’s origin site. Although, if the tumor were to metastasize to other parts of the body, it may be life threatening. The first description of basal cell carcinoma was recorded by Jacob in 1827.5 “It is know that impairment of the immune surveillance of oncogenic viruses leads to immune compromise, which in turn leads to provocation of basal cell carcinoma.”5 Most cases arise in white adults with no sex predilection.2 Basal cell carcinoma is only a skin tumor and does not happen in the oral cavity.
Any body part can be affected by this disease. Typically it arises from sunburn with the combination of short and long-term sun exposure. It is mostly seen on the face, ears, neck, shoulders, and back as these parts of the
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It does not occur in the mouth, yet the dental hygienist must be educated in finding the tumor and a taking the necessary steps to deal with it. Most cases occur in patients with light skin patients and no sex predilection due to sun exposure. Depending on the size of the tumor treatment consist of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Dental hygienists can advocate for the general well-being by preventing disease. In the extra-oral exam dental hygienist must look carefully and palpate thoroughly throughout the head and neck for abnormalities. Side effects of cancer treatment can be irritating and painful to the patient. Before, during, and after basal cell carcinoma treatment the dental hygienist’s best tool is