Why is basal cell carcinoma the least invasive of all cancers?
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) can develop into large unsightly skin tumors but the cells rarely metasize or spread to distant sites like malignant melanoma, lung cancer, colon cancer etc.
Is it that only certain genes are involved in BCC which mean they fail to become completely immature like other tumor cells, or is it they are more liable to be attacked by the immune system? Any other ideas?
- norton g
Simon - Great question! Sorry that the answer is not yet known. Most cancer research efforts have been directed towards the malignant tumors which rapidly invade the blood vessels and lymph channels making their spread easily, but not malignant basal cells of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It may be genetic, as you mention, or the BCC cells may lack certain genes and/or enzymes which would allow the cells to survive in other body locations. It is NOT likely to be related to the immune system as microscopic examination of BCC lesions do not show the tissue changes of immune-type cells adjacent to or invading the BCC as they do with other tumors. Hence, the BCC spreads by ever-widening direct growth from the primary tumor without metastases but able to invade the toughest of nearby tissues, even bone. Might you be interested in such a research career in dermatopathology?
- Super Conrad's Mommy
Most cancers are involved in organs with heavy blood supply which allows cancer cells to enter the blood stream and travel to other parts of the body where new tumors can develop. With Basal Cell Carcinoma, the blood supply is not very rich, therefore, there is less of a chance for the cancer cells to make their ways to other places in the body.
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Understanding Basal Cell Carcinoma (Skin Cancer #4)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of all cancers. Learn more about BCC.Watch More Health Videos at Health Guru: www.healthguru.com
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