You develop basal cell carcinomawhen the cells of the outermost layer of your skin damaged and multiply abnormally. Most common factors that can cause skin cells to mutate and become cancerous include:
UV Rays and Sunburn – basal cell carcinoma develops from cells in the epidermis, mostly theepidermal cells of head and neck. The tumor develops most often on parts of the body that are exposed to sunlight. This is why people who are frequently and extensively exposed to sunlight are more victims of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma. Therefore, chronic exposure to UV radiation and frequent sunburns are considered as two major risk factors of basal cell carcinoma.
Chronic exposure to certain chemicals – environmental factors such as certain herbicides, some petroleum products, arsenic exposure, may contribute to the development of basal cell carcinoma and other cancers. The risk is even higher in people predisposed to the disease or those start those habits from their childhood.
Inherited disorders – certain genetic medical conditions such as albinism , Gorlin’s syndrome (nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome), Bazex’s syndrome and xeroderma pigmentosum are found to increase the risk of basal cell carcinoma.
Immunosuppressivemedications – prolonged use of agentsor drugs that inhibit or weaken the immune system can lead to not only basal cell carcinoma but all other types of cancers.
Chronic wounds – chronic skin ulcers and/or wounds may contribute to the occurrence of basal cell carcinoma.