A middle aged man presents with this slowly growing nodule on the nose. A rolled border and visible blood vessels are seen.

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of cancer in Caucasians, and is caused primarily by chronic sun exposure. Luckily, it rarely metastasizes, but may be locally destructive. BCC occurs most commonly in older adults on the head, neck, and back. Important risk factors for BCC are:

• Having had a BCC in the past.
• Chronic sun exposure
• Sunburns over 20 years prior
• Tanning bed use
• Red hair
• Blue or green eyes
• Family history of skin cancer
• Tendency to freckle
• Irish, Scottish, Scandinavian or German heritage.
  

What does a BCC look like?

The BCC may appear in many ways. Below is a brief summary, but see pictures below for examples.

• A small, pearly or translucent bump: It may have a raised border and a slightly depressed center. Small blood vessels are often visible.
• A non-healing sore or ulcer: It may bleed, crust, or have a yellowish discharge.
• A persistent red (ham-colored), scaly patch. It may have irregular borders and resemble a scar.

If you think you might have a BCC, please see your dermatologist as soon as possible.

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.

Additional Pictures

See also BCC gallery

A persistent, red, crusty spot that never heals.

A persistent red spot on the back.

BCC on the shoulder. A red plaque with ulceration.

A new red growth.

A larger red growth on the calf.

If large enough, the BCC may form an ulcer.

For more photos of BCC, see BCC gallery

RegionalDerm

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