Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)  is the most common skin cancer and may occur at any age with a marked increase in frequency over the age of 40.  However, the incidence of BCC in younger patients is becoming more common possibly as a result of increased sun exposure and tanning bed use.  It is more common  in people with fair skin type. Risk factors include cumulative sun exposure and prior ionizing radiation.  BCC is most commonly found on the face, scalp, ears, and neck but not excluded to those locations.

Nodular BCC is the most common variant and presents as a pearly white or opaque dome-shaped papule or raised lesion with overlying superficial blood vessels. Occasionally, they will become ulcerated in the center and can bleed. BCC’s are almost never life threatening with metastases extremely rare (if the patient is immunocompromised). However, they can become enlarged, ulcerate, and invade surrounding tissue if left untreated.  There are various other types of BCC’s that present a little differently so it is important to have any suspicious skin lesion checked out by a heath care provider.