Basal Cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and the most frequent cancer in humans. It affects more than 1 million people each year in the United States. It is most commonly found on skin that has been chronically exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, scalp, chest and back.
BCC may appear as a shiny, translucent or pearly bump with overlying blood vessels; a sore that does not heal; a pink, slightly elevated growth; a reddish irritated patch of skin; or a waxy scar-like lesion. Its early diagnosis and treatment can prevent damage to surrounding tissue. Skin of color patients may get brown or black pigmentation within basal cell carcinomas.
Basal cell carcinomas are a very treatable form of skin cancer and rarely metastasize or spread to the bloodstream. They may, however, increase in size and cause local damage to neighboring structures.
Once the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma is confirmed by a small biopsy, definitive treatment will be planned based on the size, type and location of the lesion. Some of the options include a topical chemotherapy or immunomodulating cream, electrodessication and curettage, surgical excision, cryosurgery, and Mohs surgery.