Doctronic

Understanding Basal Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Oghenefejiro Okifo | MD

Medically reviewed by Oghenefejiro Okifo | MD, Harvard Medical School | Henry Ford Hospital - Detroit, MI on May 30th, 2023.

Key Takeaways

  • This cancer arises from UV damage to cells in the skin's deepest layer, accounting for 80% of all skin cancers but rarely spreads beyond the original site.

  • Warning signs include pearl-like bumps with visible blood vessels, sores that bleed and scab repeatedly over weeks, or flat scaly patches that slowly expand outward.

  • Fair-skinned individuals have 20 times higher risk than those with darker skin, with most cases appearing after age 40 on sun-exposed areas like the face and neck.

  • Mohs surgery offers 99% cure rates by removing tissue layer-by-layer under microscopic examination, making it ideal for tumors on the face or areas with high recurrence risk.

  • Daily sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide provides superior protection compared to chemical sunscreens, which break down faster under UV exposure.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for 90% of all skin cancer cases in the United States. Although it can be concerning to receive a skin cancer diagnosis, BCC is the least risky type of skin cancer and is highly treatable when caught early.

Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinomas can appear differently on various skin types. Here are five warning signs to watch for:

  • An open sore that doesn't heal, which may ooze liquid or blood and form a crust

  • A reddish, irritated-looking patch of skin on the face, chest, shoulder, arm, or leg

  • A shiny bump that may be pearly, clear, pink, red, white, tan, black, or brown

  • A small pink growth with a slightly raised edge and a crusty dent in the middle

  • An area that looks like a scar, which may be white, yellow, or waxy

Understanding Basal Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Causes and Risk Factors

The main cause of basal cell carcinoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or indoor tanning beds. Over time, UV rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to the development of cancer. Other risk factors include:

  • History of skin cancer

  • Age (people over 50 are more likely to develop BCC)

  • Fair skin that burns or freckles easily

  • Being male or assigned male at birth

  • Ongoing skin infections and inflammation

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

To diagnose basal cell carcinoma, your doctor will examine your skin and may perform a biopsy to test for cancer cells. Treatment options depend on the size, location, and duration of the cancer, as well as your overall health. Some common treatments include:

  • Excision (cutting out the tumor)

  • Curettage and desiccation (scraping the tumor away and using electricity to kill cancer cells)

  • Cryosurgery (freezing cancer cells)

  • Radiation therapy

  • Mohs surgery (removing the tumor layer by layer)

  • Creams and pills (such as fluorouracil, imiquimod, sonidegib, or vismodegib)

Prognosis and Prevention

Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body, and treatment is usually successful, especially when caught early. However, it's essential to take precautions to lower your risk of developing skin cancer in the future:

  • Check your skin regularly for new growths or changes

  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

  • Use sunscreen with at least 6% zinc oxide and an SPF of 30 daily

  • Wear protective clothing, such as a broad-brimmed hat and long-sleeved shirts

For more information and support, visit the American Cancer Society's website, The Skin Cancer Foundation, or consult with your healthcare provider.

The Bottom Line

Early detection leads to simple office procedures with excellent outcomes, while advanced cases may require more extensive surgery. The key is recognizing persistent skin changes that don't heal within 2-3 weeks. If you notice suspicious growths or non-healing sores, Doctronic can help you determine whether immediate dermatological evaluation is needed.

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