BASAL CELL CARCINOMA

BCC of the nose. A rolled border and telangiectasias are typical features.

A persistent, red, crusted spot.

Superficial BCC. A red spot on the back.

BCC on the shoulder. A red plaque with ulceration.

A new red growth.

Nodular BCC on the calf.

If large enough, the BCC may form a large ulcer.

Key Points

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of cancer in Europe, Australia and the US, and is caused primarily by chronic sun exposure. Luckily, it rarely metastasizes, but may be locally destructive.

• The BCC can take on many appearances. A pearly papule with telangiectasias on the face of an older person is classic. Other potential presentations include a red bump, a whitish growth, a blue papule (cystic BCC), a rodent ulcer, a waxy telangiectatic plaque and a red, scaly area (superficial BCC). The superficial BCC appears as a fixed, blanchable, ham-red lesion surrounded by sun-damaged skin.
  
• BCC occurs most commonly in older adults on the head, neck, and back.
• Important risk factors for BCC are a prior BCC, UV exposure (e.g., cumulative exposure, sunburns over 20 years prior, sunbed use) and genetics (e.g., red hair, blue or green eyes, family history of skin cancer, type I skin, tendency to freckle, and Irish, Scottish, Scandinavian or German heritage).
  

Treatment, Brief Overview

Most treatments are carried out by a dermatologist or Mohs surgeon. A variety of treatments exist including curettage and electrodesiccation, curettage alone, standard surgery, Mohs surgery, radiation therapy, imiquimod and photodynamic therapy.

Any patient with a history of a BCC should be encouraged to have an annual total body skin examination.

RegionalDerm

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