Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Dermatology
Basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, is a common form of skin cancer that begins in the basal cells of the epidermis. It typically grows slowly and rarely spreads to distant areas, but it can grow deeply and damage nearby skin, nerves, cartilage or bone when left untreated.
Early diagnosis generally allows BCC to be treated effectively with a procedure selected according to the tumor’s size, location and microscopic features.
What does basal cell carcinoma look like?
Basal cell carcinoma can appear in several different ways. It may look like:
- A shiny, pearly or translucent bump
- A pink, red, brown or skin-colored growth
- A flat, scaly patch
- A sore that does not heal
- A sore that heals and later returns
- A scar-like area without a previous injury
- A growth with visible blood vessels
- A spot that crusts or bleeds repeatedly
BCC frequently develops on sun-exposed areas such as the face, nose, ears, scalp, neck, shoulders and arms. However, it can occur anywhere on the skin.
The growth may not cause discomfort. Some basal cell carcinomas itch, feel tender or bleed after minor irritation.
What causes basal cell carcinoma?
Most basal cell carcinomas are associated with ultraviolet damage from sunlight or indoor tanning. Damage accumulates over time and can cause abnormal changes in basal cells.
Risk factors may include:
- Frequent or intense sun exposure
- A history of sunburns
- Indoor tanning
- Fair skin or a tendency to burn
- Increasing age
- A personal or family history of skin cancer
- A weakened immune system
- Previous radiation treatment
- Certain inherited conditions
People with darker skin tones can also develop BCC, and diagnosis may be delayed when a suspicious growth is mistaken for a scar, mole or other harmless spot.
How is basal cell carcinoma diagnosed?
A dermatologist will examine the growth and surrounding skin. A skin biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis.
During a biopsy, your provider removes all or part of the suspicious area. A laboratory then examines the sample to determine whether cancer cells are present and identify the specific type of BCC.
The biopsy results help guide treatment.
How is basal cell carcinoma treated?
Treatment depends on the tumor’s location, size, depth, subtype and whether it has been treated previously.
Options may include:
- Mohs micrographic surgery
- Surgical excision
- Curettage and electrodesiccation
- Topical prescription medication for selected superficial tumors
- Radiation therapy when surgery is not appropriate
- Other specialized treatments for advanced disease
Mohs surgery may be recommended for BCCs on the face, ears, scalp, hands or other areas where preserving healthy tissue is especially important. It may also be used for large, recurrent or higher-risk tumors.
What happens after treatment?
Most patients with an early BCC have an excellent outcome. However, developing one basal cell carcinoma increases the likelihood of developing another skin cancer.
Ongoing care may include:
- Regular professional skin examinations
- Monthly self-examinations
- Daily sun protection
- Monitoring the surgical area for recurrence
- Reporting new, changing or nonhealing growths
Schedule a basal cell carcinoma evaluation
A nonhealing sore, recurring scab or slowly growing bump should be examined. The Dermatology Clinic can perform a biopsy, explain your results and develop an appropriate treatment and follow-up plan. Contact us today to get scheduled.
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