C44.91 Basal cell carcinoma of skin, unspecified

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin, Unspecified
- Often referred to as BCC or rodent ulcer.

#### Summary
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that arises from the basal cells, which are located in the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is the most common type of skin cancer and usually grows slowly. While BCC is unlikely to spread to other parts of the body, it can cause significant damage to the skin and surrounding tissues if left untreated.

#### Causes
- BCC primarily results from long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds. DNA damage due to UV exposure leads to uncontrolled cell growth.

#### Risk Factors
- Prolonged exposure to UV radiation
- Fair skin, light-colored eyes, and blond or red hair
- Age, with higher occurrence in older adults
- Past history of skin cancer
- Family history of skin cancer
- Immune suppression, such as from medication or medical conditions

#### Symptoms
- A new growth or sore that doesn't heal
- A pearly or waxy bump on the skin
- A flat, flesh-colored or brown lesion
- Visible blood vessels around a lesion
- Bleeding or oozing patches that may crust or scab

#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination by a dermatologist
- Skin biopsy, where a small sample of skin is removed and examined under a microscope

#### Treatment Options
- Surgical excision, where the cancerous tissue is cut out
- Mohs surgery, a technique that removes thin layers of cancerous skin until only cancer-free tissue remains
- Curettage and electrodessication, which involve scraping away cancer cells and using electricity to kill remaining cells
- Radiation therapy for cases where surgery isn't feasible
- Topical medications that stimulate the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- BCC has a high cure rate when detected and treated early. Regular follow-ups are essential for monitoring and managing any potential recurrences.

#### Complications
- If left untreated, BCC can invade deeper tissues, leading to disfigurement or functional loss, especially when occurring near critical areas like eyes or nose.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Avoiding excessive sun exposure and using broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly
- Wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses outdoors
- Regular skin checks for early detection and treatment of skin changes

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Noticing new or unusual skin growths, or changes in existing moles, spots, or lesions
- Any sore that bleeds, oozes, or doesn't heal over time

#### Additional Resources
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): [www.aad.org](https://www.aad.org)
- Skin Cancer Foundation: [www.skincancer.org](https://www.skincancer.org)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure correct coding by confirming the diagnosis with biopsy results.
- Distinguish between basal cell carcinoma and other types of skin cancers to avoid coding errors.

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