Basal cell cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Most skin cancers are basal cell cancer.
Other common types of skin cancer are:
Basal cell carcinoma; Rodent ulcer; Skin cancer - basal cell; Cancer - skin - basal cell; Nonmelanoma skin cancer; Basal cell NMSC; Basal cell epithelioma
The top layer of the skin is called the epidermis. The bottom layer of the epidermis is the basal cell layer. With basal cancer, cells in this layer are the ones that become cancerous. Most basal cell cancers occur on skin that is regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation.
This type of skin cancer is most common in people over age 50. But it can also occur in younger people who have had extensive sun exposure. Basal cell cancer is almost always slow-growing. It rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
You are more likely to develop basal cell cancer if you have:
Other risk factors include:
Basal cell cancer usually grows slowly and is often painless. It may not look that different from your normal skin. You may have a skin bump or growth that is:
In some cases, the skin is just slightly raised, or even flat.
You may have:
Treatment depends on the size, depth, and location of the skin cancer and your overall health. Each treatment has its risks and benefits. You and your doctor can discuss the treatment that's right for you.
Treatment may involve any of the following:
Anne Chang is a Dermatologist in Palo Alto, California. Dr. Chang has been practicing medicine for over 23 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Basal Cell Skin Cancer. She is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Basal Cell Skin Cancer, Muir-Torre Syndrome, Squamous Cell Skin Carcinoma, and Rhinophyma. She is licensed to treat patients in California. Dr. Chang is currently accepting new patients.
Karl Lewis is an Oncologist in Aurora, Colorado. Dr. Lewis has been practicing medicine for over 23 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Basal Cell Skin Cancer. He is also highly rated in 9 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Melanoma, Basal Cell Skin Cancer, Merkel Cell Carcinoma, and Neuroendocrine Tumor. He is licensed to treat patients in Colorado. Dr. Lewis is currently accepting new patients.
Ketty Peris is in Rome, Italy. Peris is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Basal Cell Skin Cancer. She is also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Basal Cell Skin Cancer, Actinic Keratosis, Melanoma, and Psoriasis.
You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.
Most of these cancers are cured when treated early. Some basal cell cancers return in the same location. Smaller ones are less likely to come back.
Basal cell skin cancer almost never spreads beyond the original location. Left untreated, however, it may spread into surrounding areas and nearby tissues and bone.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have a sore or spot on your skin that changes in:
Also call your provider if a spot becomes painful or swollen, or if it starts to bleed or itch.
The American Cancer Society recommends that a provider examine your skin every year if you are older than 40 and every 3 years if you are 20 to 40 years old. You should also examine your own skin once a month. Use a hand mirror for hard-to-see places. Call your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to reduce your exposure to sunlight. Always use sunscreen:
Other measures to help you avoid too much sun exposure:
Published Date : July 12, 2019
Published By : Michael Lehrer, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Habif TP. Premalignant and malignant nonmelanoma skin tumors. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 21.
National Cancer Institute website. Skin cancer treatment (PDQ®) - Health Professional Version. www.cancer.gov/types/skin/hp/skin-treatment-pdq#section/_222. Updated December 19, 2019. Accessed February 24, 2020.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines): Basal cell skin cancer. Version 1.2020. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/nmsc.pdf. Updated October 24, 2020. Accessed February 24, 2020.
US Preventive Services Task Force, Bibbins-Domingo K, Grossman DC, et al. Screening for skin cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2016;316(4):429-435. PMID 27458948 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27458948.