Basal cell melanoma is one of the most common types of skin cancers and the most common type of cancer overall, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Basal cell carcinomas present as uncontrolled growths and lesions arising from the skin's deepest epidermal layers, the basal cells. Often, these carcinomas look like shiny bumps, pink growths or open sores and red patches.
Most basal cell carcinomas do not spread beyond their original locations, notes the Skin Cancer Foundation. However, in rare incidences, basal cell carcinomas spread to other areas of the body and may become disfiguring or life threatening. Around 2.8 million people were diagnosed with the condition in 2010.