Basal cell carcinoma arsenic

There is now sufficient epidemiological evidence to classify arsenic as a human carcinogen and a cause of skin cancer. In people chronically exposed to toxic doses of arsenic, such cancers may be preceded by discolored skin (hyperpigmentation) and development of homy skin surfaces (hyperkeratosis). These areas may progress to locally invasive basal cell carcinomas or to squamous cell carcinomas capable of metastasis. Unlike skin cancers that develop on skin exposed to ultraviolet solar radiation, arsenic-induced skin cancer frequently develops in areas not commonly exposed to sunlight, such as the palms of hands or soles of feet. 

Skin lesions, which emerge gradually over a period of 1-10 years, typically begin with a characteristic pattern of spotted ( raindrop pigmentation on the torso and extremities, followed after several years by the development of hyperkeratotic changes on the palms and soles. Skin lesions may occur after lower doses than those causing neuropathy or anemia. Arsenic-related skin cancer, which includes squamous cell carcinoma, Bowen s disease, and basal cell carcinoma, is characteristically multicentric, and in non-sun-exposed areas. 

Again several reports stress the tri c consequences of the use of arsenic for medical purposes (Le. Fowler s solution). Angiosarcoma of the liver (7 ), multiple basal cell carcinoma (S -, 9 -), polyneuropathy (10 ). and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (11 , 12) have been reported. Further study is required to assess the evidence that arsenic can also induce internal malignant tumours (8,9). 

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