Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common but least dangerous type of skin cancer.  It begins in the cells forming the basal layer of the skin and almost never spreads to other parts of the body.
  • Most common location
    - Face and neck
  • Most at risk
    - Those with light colored hair, eyes, and/or complexion
    - Those who do not tan easily
  • Most common complications/risks
    - Local damage such as bleeding and crusting
    - Greatest damage near the eyes, nose, and ears
  • Most common types of BCC
    - Rodent Ulcer BCC
    - Pigmented BCC
    - Sclerotic/Fibrotic/Morpheaform
    - Superficial BCC
    - Nodular (most common)
    - Cystic
 Description
Rolled elevated border
Rolled border is pigmented
Thick, tethered feel, pearly
Plaque-like, commonly on trunk; often mistaken for psoriasis
Smooth, somewhat translucent
Well-defined and lobulated; may be mistaken for a cyst
Many clinicians can diagnose basal cell carcinoma by careful observation.  However, the removal of a small sample from the affected area for analysis at a reputable pathology laboratory is required for absolute confirmation of the diagnosis, as other conditions can mimic it clinically.  A sample will be studied by a specialized pathologist before being conclusively diagnosed as Basal Cell Carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma may be treated by a variety of minor surgical procedures.  Your doctor will decide which type of therapy is best for you.

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