Basal cell carcinoma: an overview of modern methods of diagnosis and treatment

Basal cell carcinoma: an overview of modern methods of diagnosis and treatment

V.V. Gladko, G.A. Flax, R.A. Pakhomova, V.Ya. Kolesnik

Vasilyi Ya. Kolesnik, e-mail: v.kolesnik@bk.ru

ROSBIOTECH, Moscow

Regardless of a type, skin cancer takes centre stage among all malignant diseases, and basal cell carcinoma (basal-cell epithelioma) is the most common skin cancer.

The paper analyzes literature references focused on diagnosis and treatment of basal-cell epithelioma.

It is characterized by quite benign course, and it’s unlikely to metastasize and penetrate into surrounding tissues. Mostly, it is localized on head and neck.

Several clinical forms of basal-cell epithelioma (superficial, nodular, scleroid, and fibroepithelioma of Pinkus) are distinguished. Various types of dermatoscopy are used to diagnose basal cell carcinoma. The final diagnosis is based on histological examination data. Conservative and surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma are available. The choice of a treatment method depends on a tumor size, the disease stage and a patient’s condition.

Increased incidence of basal cell carcinoma promotes search for new approaches and methods of the disease treatment. Early diagnosis is a key factor of successful treatment and further relapse-free course. In this regard, naturally, this poses the question concerning a routine screening to detect skin cancer in a timely fashion.

Keywords: basal cell carcinoma, basal-cell epithelioma, recurrence, chemotherapy, Hedgehog signaling pathway, Mohs micrographic surgery.

For citation: Gladko V.V., Flax G.A., Pakhomova R.A., Kolesnik V.Ya. Basal cell carcinoma: an overview of modern methods of diagnosis and treatment. RMJ. 2026;2:9–11. DOI: 10.32364/2225-2282-2026-2-2