Basal cell skin cancer (carcinoma) most often appears on areas of
the body that have been exposed to the sun, such as the head, face, neck, back,
chest, or shoulders. Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and does not usually
spread to other parts of the body (metastasize).
Basal cell skin carcinoma is the most common skin cancer in
light-skinned people. It is rare in people who have dark skin.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- A small, fleshy bump with a smooth, pearly
appearance, often with an indentation in the middle.
- A scarlike
lesion that is firm to the touch.
- A bump that bleeds, crusts over,
and then repeats the cycle.
- A red, tender, flat spot that bleeds
easily.
- Tiny blood vessels in thin red lines with a spiderlike
appearance (telangiectasias).
Treatment for a basal cell cancer involves surgery to remove the
lesion and occasionally topical chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Most basal
cell skin cancer can be cured, but some may return after treatment.
