Most common skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma, what is it, treatment and how to prevent?

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)?

Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequently diagnosed form of skin cancer. It begins in the basal cells—tiny, round cells found at the base of the outermost layer of skin. BCC tends to grow slowly and rarely spreads beyond the skin, but it can cause serious local damage if not treated early.

The main trigger for BCC is long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds. People with fair skin, a history of sunburns, or those who work outdoors are especially at risk.

How to Recognize Basal Cell Carcinoma?

BCC can look different depending on your skin type and where it appears, but some common signs include:

*A shiny, skin-colored or pink bump that may look pearly or translucent.*

*A sore that doesn’t heal or keeps bleeding and scabbing over.*

*A flat, reddish patch that may be rough or scaly.*

*A scar-like area that appears white or waxy without a clear border.*

In darker skin, BCC may appear brown, black, or darker than surrounding skin.
These spots most often show up on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, or arms.

What are the treatment Options?

The primary goal of treatment is to completely remove the cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Your doctor will choose a treatment based on the size, location, and depth of the cancer, as well as your general health.

Common treatments include:

Excision: The tumor is cut out along with a small border of normal skin.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A precise surgical method that removes the cancer layer by layer, examining each under a microscope. It’s often used for cancers on the face, scalp, hand and genital areas.
Curettage and Electrodessication: The lesion is scraped off, and the area is treated with heat to destroy remaining cancer cells.
Topical Medications: For very shallow BCCs, prescription creams like imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil may be used.
Radiation Therapy: Often recommended for people who aren’t good candidates for surgery, especially for older adults or difficult tumor locations.

How to prevent it?

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen every day Avoid tanning beds Wear protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats when outdoors Check your skin regularly for new or changing spots and see a board-certified dermatologist for anything suspicious and routine check

Reference Resources

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN): Patient Guidelines on BCC
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): Basal Cell Carcinoma Clinical Guidelines