Overview
Name
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Type
Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, and additionally, is the most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S. Current estimates are that over four million cases occur annually in the U.S. Basal cells are found at the lower part (base) of the epidermis (the upper layer of the skin); hence the name “basal cell carcinoma.” Due to its location on the skin surface, the epidermal cell layer is easily penetrated by UV light. When UV enters cells, the DNA can be damaged, leading to abnormal cell function and potentially to cancer formation. Hence, these skin cancers are associated with sun exposure and use of UV indoor tanning devices. BCCs are frequently observed on sun-exposed areas of skin, such as the face, scalp (especially in balding individuals), ears, neck, hands, arms and legs, and back. Sun damage increases one’s risk of developing BCC.
Basal cell carcinomas may appear as pearly, pink or reddish, semi-translucent bumps on the skin, or sometimes as donut-shaped raised growths with scabbing or oozing in the center. Tiny blood vessels may be visible within the cancer. Other BCCs may be more eczema-like, with redness, scaling and often a raised, rolled or thread-like border. Rarely, BCCs may appear as waxy or shiny, barely raised, scar-like sheets on the skin surface. In individuals with darker skin, part or all of a BCC may appear pigmented (brown). Although not usually painful, BCCs may easily bleed, itch, and have a tendency not to heal. BCCs tend to be slow growing and are both more treatable and less likely to invade other tissues than melanoma. However, left untreated, BCCs may eventually invade deeper into the skin and underlying tissues, causing disfigurement. Life threatening BCCs are rare but do occur.
Less common risk factors for BCC include severe scarring (such as those from burns, especially scars of long duration), chronic inflammation (such as skin ulcers), radiation exposure (such as X-ray treatment for acne) and arsenic exposure (such as drinking well water contaminated with arsenic).
Like other skin cancers, BCCs can develop anywhere on the skin surface. New or unusual skins growths should be brought to the attention of your dermatologist.
All photographs and diagrams are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to be used for diagnosis. A dermatologist should be consulted for examination and diagnosis of skin lesions.
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