Basal cell skin cancer: Overview
Basal cell skin cancer (carcinoma) is the most common type of skin cancer. This cancer grows slowly and does not usually spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. But if this cancer isn't treated, it can damage the nearby skin and deeper tissues.
Basal cell skin cancer is usually treated with surgery to remove the cancer. When it is found and treated early, it's almost always cured.
This skin cancer is usually caused by too much sun. Using tanning beds or sunlamps can also cause it. It most often appears on areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun. These areas include the face, head, and trunk of the body. The nose is the most common site.
Basal cell skin cancer
Basal cell skin cancer (carcinoma) is the most common type of skin cancer. It grows slowly and usually doesn't spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. If not treated, it can damage the skin and deeper tissues where it started growing. When it's found early and treated, most basal cell skin cancer can be cured.
This cancer is usually caused by exposure to UV rays from the sun. Using tanning beds or sunlamps can also cause it. It most often appears on areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun, such as the head and trunk. The nose, ears, lips, and scalp are the most common sites.
Basal cell cancer is usually treated with surgery to remove the cancer. If it can't be removed, other treatments may be used, such as radiation therapy or medicines.
What happens when you have basal cell skin cancer?
Basal cell skin cancer usually develops slowly. Because of this slow growth, it can often be detected and treated early, increasing the chance for a cure.
If basal cell skin cancer isn't treated, it can damage the skin and deeper tissues where it started, including muscle and bone. But this cancer very rarely spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body.
After you have one basal cell skin cancer, you are more likely to have another one develop in a new place.
What are the symptoms of basal cell skin cancer?
Skin cancer usually appears as a growth that changes in color, shape, or size. This can be a sore that doesn't heal or a change in a mole or skin growth. Basal cell skin cancer usually occurs on the face, head, or trunk of the body.
How is basal cell skin cancer treated?
Your doctor will want to remove all of the cancer. There are several ways to remove it. It depends on how big it is, where it is on your body, and your age and overall health. Options include:
- Surgery. The doctor numbs the skin and cuts out the cancer. This almost always cures the cancer.
- Mohs micrographic surgery. The doctor removes the skin cancer one layer at a time, checking each layer for cancer cells right after it is removed.
- Curettage and electrosurgery. Curettage uses a spoon-shaped tool (curette) to scrape off the skin cancer. Electrosurgery controls the bleeding.
- Topical therapy. Medicine is applied to the skin.
- Cryosurgery. This destroys the cancer by freezing it.
- Photodynamic therapy. This uses a medicine that is activated with light.
Radiation therapy may be done if surgery isn't an option. Treatment for advanced cases may include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.
After treatment, you'll need regular checkups.
How can you lower your risk for basal cell skin cancer?
- Always wear a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves and pants when you are outdoors.
- Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is the peak time for UV rays. If outdoors, seek the shade.
- Always wear sunscreen on exposed skin. This is important for people of all skin colors. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Use it every day, even when it is cloudy.
- Use lip balm or cream that has SPF to protect your lips from getting sunburned.
- Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.
- Do not use tanning booths or sunlamps.
How is basal cell skin cancer diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your past health and do a physical exam. This will include taking a close look at the skin growth. The doctor may take a sample (biopsy) of the growth to test in a lab. A biopsy can confirm whether the cells are cancer.
How can you care for yourself when you have basal cell skin cancer?
Protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. For example, stay out of the sun during midday hours, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and wear protective clothing. Get skin exams as advised by your doctor and check all of your own skin for changes. Avoid medicines that can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
What is basal cell skin cancer?
Basal cell skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer. It grows slowly and usually doesn't spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. But if this cancer isn't treated, it can damage the nearby skin and deeper tissues. When it's found and treated early, it is almost always cured.
Basal cell skin cancer: When to call
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You see a change in your skin, such as a spot, bump, or mole that:
- Grows bigger. This may happen slowly.
- Changes color.
- Changes shape.
- Starts to bleed easily or develops a crust.
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