Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. Skin cancers — including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma — are cancers that begin in the skin. They are among the most common cancers in the United States.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It often appears as small, shiny bumps that are pearly or clear, or red patches. They can be flat or raised. In time, basal cell carcinomas sometimes grow into larger sores with a waxy or scar-like appearance. They usually appear on sun-exposed parts of the body, such as the ears, neck, lips and face, but they can also occur on other areas like the chest or back.
Most basal cell carcinomas do not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. But they can be disfiguring if allowed to grow and invade nearby areas. When they occur on highly visible areas like the face, they can also cause significant psychological distress and affect daily life.
Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. It is the most common form of skin cancer, and one of the most common cancers in the United States. It affects more than 3 million Americans each year. In fact, one out of every five Americans will develop basal cell carcinoma at some point during their lifetime.
Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as a painless raised area of skin, which may be shiny with small blood vessels running over it or through it.
The risk increases for people with light-colored skin who have had a lot of sun exposure. Basal cell carcinomas are most commonly found on areas of the body exposed to the sun, including the head and neck, but may also occur on other parts of the body including the trunk, arms and legs.
People who have had severe sunburns (especially early in life) or who have been treated for another skin cancer are at highest risk for developing this disease. Other risk factors include a weakened immune system and exposure to certain chemicals such as arsenic.
Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. It often appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule. It can also look like a flat, scaly patch. It may be pink, red, white or tan. Basal cell carcinoma is most common on areas of skin that get a lot of sun exposure. These include the neck, face, chest and arms.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer in the United States. Basal cell carcinoma starts in the basal cells of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). The disease rarely spreads to other parts of the body and usually does not threaten life. However, if it is left untreated, it can invade and damage nearby tissue and bone. Rarely are people with this type of cancer disfigured by it.
Basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, is the most common skin cancer. Each year in the United States, about 5% of all skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas. Basal cell carcinoma develops most often on areas of your body exposed to the sun, such as your head and neck. It can appear as a small, shiny bump; a pale patch; or a pink or red waxy lump.
Basal cell carcinoma usually isn’t fatal if it’s treated early. But it may cause disfigurement if it’s not treated promptly and it can invade surrounding tissue if not removed completely.
In most cases, doctors can treat basal cell carcinoma successfully by removing it before it spreads.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. BCC develops most often on areas of the skin that get a lot of sun exposure, such as the head and neck. But BCC can occur anywhere, even on areas covered by clothing or not exposed to the sun.
Basal cell carcinomas rarely spread (metastasize) beyond the original tumor site. Still, basal cell carcinoma is considered serious because it can result in disfigurement if left untreated. It’s important to find them early and have them treated before they grow larger.
If caught early and removed entirely, basal cell carcinomas do not usually recur or metastasize (spread). If a basal cell carcinoma is allowed to grow, however, it may invade nearby tissue and bone. In very rare cases, BCCs can spread to distant organs and cause serious illness or death.
Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. It begins in the basal cells—the cells that line the deepest layer of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin).
Basal cell carcinomas usually look like a waxy bump on the skin, or a flat, scaly patch with well-defined edges. They are most common on areas that have had sun exposure, such as the head, neck, and back of the hands. The exact cause of basal cell carcinoma is unknown. But exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from sunlight or tanning beds is thought to be a major risk factor.
The earlier basal cell carcinoma can be found, the better chance a person has of preventing it from spreading. Basal cell carcinomas rarely spread to distant parts of the body; however, they can grow into nearby areas and cause damage.
Basal cell carcinomas are often curable by surgery or radiation therapy. Sometimes other treatments may also be used.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that begins in the basal cells. Basal cells are found at the bottom of the epidermis, which is the outer layer of the three main layers of skin.
Basal cell carcinoma is also called basal cell cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 9 out of 10 cases of all skin cancer. It usually grows slowly over months or years and rarely spreads (metastasizes) to distant parts of the body. But it can grow into nearby areas and cause serious damage, such as disfigurement or loss of an eye. Most basal cell cancers can be cured if they are found early and treated properly.