Basal Cell Carcinoma: Basal cell carcinoma is a mass of cells that has grown abnormally and uncontrollably. These cells clump together to form a tumor, which is a malignant cancer. It is the most common type of skin cancer and can be characterized as a “slow growing” cancer that rarely spreads to nearby sites to form multiple malignancies (Kumar et al., 2012:864). Epidemiological information: A person who has come into contact with the sun runs the risk of developing this type of skin cancer. Generally people with lighter skin are more susceptible to developing this skin cancer than people with darker skin. People with lighter eyes are also more likely to develop this skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is more likely to be seen in older people and is quite rare in children (SkinCancer, 2014). What causes cells to become cancerous? Mutations occur in normal cells that cause them to multiply rapidly and grow abnormally and uncontrollably. These cells clump together into a mass to form a tumor. These tumors are not necessarily malignant; they become malignant only when they invade other tissues. Due to the invasion, they accumulate space and feed on the nutrients used to replenish the local space. Nutrients help them in survival and functioning (Patient, 2014). Pathogenesis of Basal Cell Carcinoma: Basal cell carcinoma is the result of exposure to ultraviolet light. Prolonged exposure leads to a greater chance of developing this skin cancer, since ultraviolet rays cause the onset of a mutation in the tumor suppressor gene (Crowson, 2006, Carucci & Leffell. 2008, Miller, 1991a,b cited by Khalifa & Adil, 2012 :43). A number of subtypes of basal cell carcinoma are capable of becoming ... middle of paper ... to which it is exposed. You may want to apply sunscreen to areas of your body that are most likely to be exposed to the sun, such as your face, neck, and forearms. Absolutely avoid tanning salons. Don't burn all your skin if you're outside for long periods of time. Always do a self-examination of your skin every month. If you suspect anything, always act accordingly and seek medical attention from your dermatologist. Basal cell carcinoma can be treated or removed in several ways, but Mohs surgery has been accepted as the most effective way to eradicate the disease and recurring tumors. The process involves removing a very thin layer of tumor and then examining it under a microscope. If tumor cells are found in the layer, another layer is removed and examined until enough layers are removed and examined to show no signs of malignancy.