Derm Deep Dive: What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

What You Need to Know About Basal Cell Carcinoma and Why Early Detection and Treatment Matter 

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer.  

When detected early, basal cell carcinoma is highly treatable and rarely spreads to other parts of the body; however, early detection is just as important as with any cancer, and basal cell carcinoma requires treatment to remove the affected skin cells and prevent continuing growth. 

How can you ensure early diagnosis and effective treatment? In this month’s Derm Deep Dive, we explain everything you need to know about this common skin cancer. 

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?  

Basal cell carcinoma develops in the basal cells, which are in the lowest layer of the skin’s outer layer. These cells continuously produce new skin cells to replace those that naturally shed.  

Most basal cell carcinomas develop after years of cumulative exposure to UV rays from the sun or indoor tanning, but the good news is that it rarely spreads to other organs. However, it will continue to grow if left untreated and can invade nearby skin, muscle, cartilage, and even bone, making early diagnosis critical.  

Basal cell carcinoma is often mistaken for a pimple, scar, or minor skin irritation, but if you observe any of the following symptoms, you should visit your board-certified dermatologist right away: 

• A pearly or shiny bump that is pink, translucent, or flesh-colored 

• A flat, scaly patch that’s well-defined and pink to red in color 

• A waxy, scar-like area with poorly-defined edges 

• A sore that repeatedly bleeds, scabs over, and bleeds again 

• A pink-colored growth with raised edges and a depressed center 

• Small, visible blood vessels on or around a skin lesion 

You also want to be aware of any new or changing growths on your skin, lesions that itch or become tender, or sores that don’t heal within a few weeks.  

Basal cell carcinoma can develop anywhere on the body, including areas not typically exposed to the sun. It most often appears on the face, ears, scalp, neck, shoulders, chest, upper back, or the arms and hands.  

Anyone at any age can develop basal cell carcinoma, but certain factors increase your risk: 

• Having fair, light-colored eyes, or blonde or red hair 

• A history of frequent sunburns 

• Long-term sun exposure 

• Use of indoor tanning beds 

• A personal or family history of skin cancer 

• A weakened immune system 

• Having inherited genetic conditions that increase the risk of skin cancer 

Additionally, anyone age 50 or older is at greater risk of developing skin cancer because of cumulative sun exposure combined with the skin’s natural aging process, which weakens its local immune response and ability to repair cellular DNA damage.  

Even individuals with a darker skin tone are at risk of developing basal cell carcinoma, although it occurs less frequently.  

Why Early Detection of Basal Cell Carcinoma Matters 

Early detection of skin cancer is critical, and being familiar with your skin is the best way to notice changes early.  

Schedule a skin evaluation if you notice any of the following: 

• A new growth on your skin you’ve never noticed before 

• A spot that has changed in size, color, shape, or texture 

• A sore that hasn’t healed after several weeks 

• A lesion that repeatedly bleeds or forms a scab 

• A spot that disappears and then returns  

Basal cell carcinoma is highly treatable when detected early. Delaying treatment and ignoring a concerning spot hoping it will just “go away” can allow a skin cancer to grow deeper into the skin’s tissue.  

Early diagnosis can lead to smaller or less invasive treatments, better cosmetic outcomes, less tissue damage, lower risk of recurrence, and faster recovery.  

If you’re unsure whether a spot on your skin is cause for concern, it’s always best to visit your dermatologist for an official diagnosis. Routine skin exams are also a great way to ensure fast, effective diagnosis of suspicious skin lesions and early detection of skin cancer.  

Treatment Options for Basal Cell Carcinoma 

Mohs Micrographic Surgery: Mohs is a specialized treatment that removes the affected skin layer by layer, examining each under a microscope until no cancer cells are detected. Mohs is ideal for cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the face, eyelids, ears, lips, or nose. Mohs can provide the highest cure rates while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.  

Learn more about Mohs Surgery 

Topical Medications: Certain superficial basal cell carcinomas may be treated with prescription topical medications that stimulate the immune system or destroy abnormal cells without surgery.  

Curettage and Electrodesiccation: This procedure is often used for smaller, low-risk basal cell carcinomas, and involves gently scraping away the cancerous tissue with a specialized tool called a curette. Then, an electrical current is applied to destroy any remaining cancer cells. 

Excisional Surgery: Excisional surgery clears cancerous cells by cutting out the affected area of skin and removing some surrounding skin. It can be used to treat both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers. 

Learn More About Skin Cancer Treatment Options 

How to Prevent Basal Cell Carcinoma 

Consistent sun protection, along with regular skin checks and overall awareness, can help with early detection and prevention of basal cell carcinoma.  

Healthy sun protection habits you can start right now include: 

• Wearing UPF-rated clothing 

• Limiting your sun exposure between 10am and 4pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest 

• Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days 

• Reapplying sunscreen every two hours and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating 

• Staying away from indoor tanning bed use 

• Performing monthly skin self-exams and scheduling annual professional skin exams with your board-certified dermatologist 

Like any cancer, early detection and prevention are key. At Optima Dermatology, our dermatologists are experts in skin cancer and will help you set up regular skin checks so you can stay on top of your skin health.  

If you have an area you’re concerned about, schedule an appointment today with one of our expert providers.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Basal Cell Carcinoma 

What are the early signs of basal cell carcinoma? 

Early basal cell carcinoma often appears as a shiny bump, a persistent sore that won’t heal, a pink patch, or a spot that repeatedly bleeds and scabs. Any new or changing lesion should be evaluated by a dermatologist. 

Is basal cell carcinoma dangerous? 

Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it can continue growing into surrounding tissue if left untreated. Early treatment helps prevent more extensive surgery and tissue damage. 

Can basal cell carcinoma go away on its own? 

No. Basal cell carcinoma does not typically resolve without treatment. While it may seem to improve temporarily, it often continues to grow beneath the surface of the skin. 

What is the best treatment for basal cell carcinoma? 

The best treatment depends on the tumor’s size, location, and subtype. Options include surgical excision, Mohs surgery, topical medications, and curettage with electrodesiccation. Your dermatologist will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual case. 

When should I see a dermatologist about a suspicious spot? 

You should schedule an evaluation if you notice a new or changing growth, a sore that hasn’t healed within two to three weeks, or a spot that repeatedly bleeds, scabs, or returns. Early evaluation leads to earlier treatment and the best outcomes. 

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