NIC Esthetician Written ExamScientific ConceptsHard
A client presents with a persistent, non-healing sore on their nose that occasionally bleeds. The lesion has a pearly appearance with rolled borders. The esthetician suspects a common type of skin cancer. Which form of skin cancer is most likely described?
- ASquamous Cell Carcinoma
- BBasal Cell Carcinoma
- CMelanoma
- DActinic Keratosis
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, often appearing as a pearly nodule with rolled borders, and can present as a non-healing sore that bleeds easily. It typically occurs on sun-exposed areas like the nose.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) often appears as a red, scaly patch or an open sore that doesn't heal, but the 'pearly' appearance and 'rolled borders' are more classic for BCC.
- C. Melanoma is characterized by changes in existing moles (ABCDEs) or new, dark, irregular lesions, not typically a pearly, non-healing sore.
- D. Actinic Keratosis is a pre-cancerous lesion, appearing as rough, scaly patches, not typically a pearly, non-healing sore.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
The most common form of skin cancer, originating from the basal cells of the epidermis, typically appearing as a pearly or waxy nodule, often with rolled borders and sometimes an open sore that bleeds easily.
- Most common skin cancer
- Slow-growing, rarely metastasizes
- Commonly on sun-exposed areas (face, neck)
- Pearly nodule, rolled borders, non-healing sore, visible blood vessels
Memory trick: Basal Carcinoma: Bumpy, Bleeds, Pearly, Rolled.