Dermatology · Skin health

Basal cell carcinoma

Understand the most common skin cancer and its local treatment.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Basal cell carcinoma is a skin cancer arising from basal cells in the epidermis.

A shiny bump, non-healing sore, or area that bleeds and crusts may appear.

Cumulative ultraviolet exposure is the main factor, alongside age, fair skin and previous skin cancer.

Dermatological examination is confirmed by biopsy or excision with laboratory analysis.

Pathology identifies type and margins; imaging is rarely needed.

It often grows slowly and very rarely spreads distantly, but can damage nearby tissue.

Excision, Mohs surgery or other local treatment is selected by size, site and risk.

Seek assessment for a lesion that grows, changes, bleeds, crusts or does not heal within weeks.

Uncontrolled bleeding or signs of infection after treatment need urgent advice.

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.