Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent SymptomsRare SymptomsComplicationsWhen to See a Doctor/Go To the Hospital
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Frequent Symptoms
Rare Symptoms
Complications
When to See a Doctor/Go To the Hospital
WhileBasal cell carcinoma(BCC) is most common in people with fair skin, it can affect anyone. Before being diagnosed with skin cancer, most patients with BCC usually already have warning signs such as age spots, discolored skin, and wrinkles.
Basal cell carcinoma is very treatable when found early, so knowing the warning signs is important. A common sign of BCC is a small sore that never seems to heal. It can often be dismissed as a benign pimple or sore. Other symptoms include a pinkish growth or a patch of scaly skin. BCC is most likely to be found on the head or neck.
What Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Look Like?
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Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Skin Growth
A new skin growth is the most common sign of basal cell carcinoma. It will usually present on the face, ears, scalp, neck, shoulders, or other areas that receive frequent direct sunlight.
It usually has the following characteristics:
Open Sore
An open sore that does not heal or tends to heal and then returns is a sign of BCC. A common way to find BCC is from a small shaving cut that doesn’t heal. BCC sores are very sensitive and cut easily. If the bleeding doesn’t stop or the sore does not heal within a week, see your dermatologist.
The sore may also:
What Is a Skin Ulcer?
A Patch of Scaly Skin
A patch of scaly skin that does not heal is also a sign of basal cell carcinoma. The scaly patch often appears near the ear and can look like a skin injury.
It will look:
Scar-Like Growth
Basal cell carcinoma can sometimes appear as a flat scar on the surface of the skin. Keep an eye out for scars that develop without an injury and never seem to fade.
The scar-like growth will be:
Most cases of basal cell carcinoma present as a painless skin growth, such as a new sore or nodule on the head or neck. A rare symptom of basal cell cancer is noticing a growth in an area of the body that does not receive sun exposure, as well as one that causes irritation.
Pigmented Skin Growth
Basal cell carcinomas are usually red, pink, or the color of your skin. They can sometimes appear tan, dark brown, or black, much likemelanoma.
A pigmented skin growth indicative of basal cell carcinoma will have:
Skin Sensitivity
Most cases of BCC are painless and look like minor skin irritations. There are rare cases though that can cause pain and skin sensitivity.
People with basal cell carcinoma may have:
Fortunately, basal cell cancer does not have a long list of complications because it is usually caught early when it is highly curable. However, once it spreads, it can quickly lead to other health problems.
Skin Cancer
Once you have experienced BCC, you are more at risk of developing BCC again, as well as other types of skin cancer likesquamous cell carcinomaand melanoma. A recurrence, or return of the original cancer, can occur if some cancer cells are not removed during surgery. These cells can then remain in the skin undetected and start growing again.
If you have experienced BCC on your nose, ears, or lips, you are at higher risk of having a recurrence.Talk with your dermatologist about how to monitor your skin and protect yourself from sun damage.
How to Prevent Skin Cancer
Other Types of Cancer
Even though BCC is a slow-growing cancer, left undetected it can grow and metastasize to other areas of the body. The most common areas it can spread to are the lymph nodes, lungs, bones, and liver.Basal cell carcinoma is usually diagnosed before this point.
Changes in Appearance
Skin Cancer Treatment
The best time to go to the doctor is as soon as you recognize a new skin growth or irritation. Plan to see your dermatologist for a regular skin check once per year. If you notice a new or changing skin growth, see them sooner.
If you have any known risk factors for basal cell carcinoma, be especially vigilant about skin self-checks and regular dermatology appointments. Risk factors of BCC include:
Skin Cancer Self-Check
Dermatologists recommend that each of us performs a skin self-check every month and sees a dermatologist for a professional check annually. Each month, take time to inspect your skin from head to toe. Look for any spots or growths that are new or changing.
The ABCDEs of Skin Cancer
A Word From Verywell
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer types: basal cell carcinoma.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer types: Basal cell carcinoma signs and symptoms.Skin Cancer Foundation.Basal cell carcinoma warning signs.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.Cancer Support Community.Advanced basal cell carcinoma - what you need to know.The Angeles Clinic.Skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma.Skin Cancer Foundation.Self-exams save lives.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer types: basal cell carcinoma.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer types: Basal cell carcinoma signs and symptoms.Skin Cancer Foundation.Basal cell carcinoma warning signs.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.Cancer Support Community.Advanced basal cell carcinoma - what you need to know.The Angeles Clinic.Skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma.Skin Cancer Foundation.Self-exams save lives.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer types: basal cell carcinoma.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer types: Basal cell carcinoma signs and symptoms.Skin Cancer Foundation.Basal cell carcinoma warning signs.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.Cancer Support Community.Advanced basal cell carcinoma - what you need to know.The Angeles Clinic.Skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma.Skin Cancer Foundation.Self-exams save lives.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer types: basal cell carcinoma.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer types: Basal cell carcinoma signs and symptoms.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Basal cell carcinoma warning signs.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.
Cancer Support Community.Advanced basal cell carcinoma - what you need to know.
The Angeles Clinic.Skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Self-exams save lives.
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