Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is a very common type of skin cancer. In fact, every year more people get basal cell carcinoma than any other type of cancer.

When caught early, basal cell carcinoma is highly treatable and rarely fatal. But if left untreated, it can cause serious complications. It may grow deep into the skin, killing nearby tissue and bone. And in rare cases, it can spread to other parts of the body.

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Your skin is constantly renewing itself. Every day you shed tens of thousands of dead skin cells . Once they flake off, they are replaced by healthy new cells. This process couldn’t take place without basal cells.

However, if cancer invades your basal cells, the cancerous cells multiply instead of dying and flaking off. They can grow into a solid tumor on your skin. Not all basal cell carcinomas look the same. Signs include:

A bump that is somewhat see-through (translucent), skin-colored or pearly white. Sometimes you can see tiny blood vessels inside.
A flat, reddish patch with raised edges.
Pale white or yellow colored growths that feel waxy or resemble a scar.
New bumps that are brown, black, blue or spotted.
A sore that won’t heal. It may repeatedly ooze, bleed or crust over.

Basal cell carcinoma usually occurs on skin with lots of sun exposure, like the face and neck. But it can occur anywhere on the body.

You can catch basal cell carcinoma and other skin cancers early by having regular skin exams. Your primary care doctor or a dermatologist can check your skin during routine medical visits. They can check areas that are hard for you to see, like your scalp and back.

Between medical exams, you should regularly check your own skin. When you’re familiar with the look and feel of your skin, you can identify new or suspicious changes.