Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common type of skin cancer that appears as a lump, bump or lesion on the outside layer of the skin. This type of skin cancer begins in the lower part of the epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin. Affecting over 4 million people annually in the United States, BCC is classified into these four main types:

Nodular: This is the most common form of basal cell carcinoma. Nodular BCC typically appears as a round pimple-like bump with visible blood vessels around it.
Superficial spreading: This type of BCC presents as small, superficial marks on the skin and is commonly found on the torso, arms or legs.
Sclerosing (morpheaform): These lesions are considered cancerous but tend to grow at a slower rate. Sclerosing BCC usually develops on the face and may initially appear as small red dots on the skin.
Pigmented: This is a rare type of BCC that can cause hyperpigmentation, resulting in skin that appears darker than the surrounding area.

What are the risk factors for basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 50. Factors that can increase the risk of basal cell carcinoma include the following:

Chronic sun exposure.
Radiation therapy.
Skin that burns easily.
Increasing age.
A personal or family history of skin cancer.
Medicines that suppress the immune system.
Exposure to arsenic.
Inherited syndromes, like nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome or xeroderma pigmentosum, that cause skin cancer.

How do I lower my risk for basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma and other skin cancers can often be prevented with simple precautions. To reduce your risk of BCC, consider the following steps:

Stay out of the sun during the middle of the day.
Wear sunscreen year-round.
Wear protective clothing.
Do not use tanning beds.
Check skin often for changes.

What are the signs of basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma first appears on sun-exposed areas of skin. Signs of basal cell carcinoma may include:

Lumps, bumps, pimples, scabs, or lesions on the skin.
A lump that appears see-thorough (translucent) and close to your skin color.
A lump that appears shinier than the skin and has tiny visible blood vessels around it.
A lump that may grow slowly over time.
A lump that becomes increasingly itchy or painful.
A lump which can ooze clear fluid or blood when touched.

The symptoms of basal cell carcinoma are typically found on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun. The most common places for BCC include: the face, scalp, nose, eyelids, legs, ears, and arms.

How is basal cell carcinoma diagnosed?

Basal cell carcinoma typically appears on sun-exposed skin. A dermatologist is typically the one to diagnose skin diseases like basal cell carcinoma. Your healthcare provider will provide a full-body skin exam to assess for skin lesions. If the healthcare provider suspects a basal cell carcinoma diagnosis, he will likely order a skin biopsy to check for cancer cells.

What are treatment options for basal cell carcinoma?

Treatments for basal cell carcinoma will vary based on the type of tumor, the size and location. You and your cancer care team will work together to decide on the best, personalized treatment plan for you.