What is a Basal Cell?
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
A basal cell is a skin cell at the base of the epidermis, the uppermost layer of the skin. These cells, along with most of the cells in the skin, are among a type of cells known as keratinocytes. When people develop non-melanoma skin cancers, they usually involve basal cells and are known as basal cell carcinomas. Attentive skin care can help people identify malignancies early and get the best treatment.
These cells are small and round and may exist in a layer only one cell thick in some parts of the body. They are undifferentiated, and their primary function is to proliferate, producing cells that will differentiate and rise up into different layers of the epidermis. The skin constantly sloughs its upper layer, making new cells a necessity to protect the inside of the body. These cells provide fresh material to replace the dying cells as they flake away.
This layer of cells is also known as the stratum germinativum or basal layer. It is one of a series of layers, allowing the skin to protect the body while also providing porosity so the skin can breathe. The breathability of the skin is both a strength and weakness. At the same time the skin can express toxins and waste products through the sweat, it can also absorb compounds in the environment, ranging from topical medications to toxins people may accidentally splash on their skin.
The nature of these cells makes them particularly vulnerable to abnormalities. Routine ultraviolet exposure can damage their DNA and cause them to start growing uncontrollably. This leads to basal cell carcinoma if the body doesn't identify and kill off the rogue cells. While the cancer typically spreads very slowly, it can penetrate through the basement membrane, the layer between the epidermis and the dermis. A doctor will usually consider the growth malignant because of the health risks.
Treatment for basal cell carcinoma involves removal of the growth and monitoring the site to see if the cancer returns. Recurrence is not uncommon, and it can become disfiguring, as the cancer usually strikes in areas routinely exposed to the sun like the nose, lips, and neck. Pale people are most likely to develop basal cell cancer because their skin lacks a protective layer of melanin, and they can reduce their risks by using sunscreen and wearing protective gear like hats and long sleeves while out in the sun.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
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![Basal cells are keratinocytes.]()
By: Alila Medical MediaBasal cells are keratinocytes. -
![Basal cells are skin cells that exists at the base of the epidermis.]()
By: Deyan GeorgievBasal cells are skin cells that exists at the base of the epidermis. -
![Cancer in the basal cells is commonly found on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to sunlight.]()
By: LoloStockCancer in the basal cells is commonly found on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to sunlight. -
![Wearing sunscreen can help light-skinned people reduce their chances of basal cell cancer.]()
By: MaridavWearing sunscreen can help light-skinned people reduce their chances of basal cell cancer.
Discussion Comments
My dad had a small mole at the back of his neck for as long as I can remember. After many years, this spot began to change and look funny in color.
When he went to have it checked out, they removed the mole and sent it in for testing. They diagnosed this mole as a squamous cell carcinoma.
When you hear the term cancer, this can really get your attention. Even though it was not the really serious kind of cancer, it is important these spots are removed so they don't spread to other parts of the body.
He probably should have had the mole removed years before he did, but was especially important to do so after it began to change and look different.
When my husband was having a regular physical exam done, his doctor noticed a strange spot on his shoulder and recommended he see a dermatologist.
This spot was a basal cell carcinoma and he had to have the spot cut out. They had to go pretty deep to thoroughly remove everything and the spot was tender for quite a while after it was removed.
He had to return every 6 months for a check up for a few years to make sure it did not come back.
He works outside in the sun, so it was surprising that this spot showed up where he always has a shirt on. I am just thankful the doctor discovered it when he did and that is was not a basal cell melanoma.
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