Basal Cell Carcinoma: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Posted on by Louie Barnes

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the number of new cases in the United States exceeds 4 million cases each year. However, BCC is highly curable if detected early. 

Manhattan Dermatology, New York dermatologists and their team offer skin cancer screening to get your suspicious moles checked, for early detection and treatment. 

What is basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is a common skin cancer that develops in the deepest layer of your skin known as the basal layer. The cells mutate and proliferate which ultimately turns cancerous. 

There are several types of BCC namely:

  • Nodular 
  • Superficially spreading
  • Sclerosing 
  • Pigmented 

What are the underlying factors that cause BCC?

BCC usually develops if you are fair-skinned with blonde hair and light eyes. 

Other contributing factors:

  • A family history of BCC
  • Increased sun exposure
  • Improper use of sunscreen
  • Use of immunosuppressive drugs
  • Overexposure to radiation such as X-rays
  • Basal Cell Nevus syndrome 

What are the clinical manifestations of BCC?

Seek immediate medical help if you notice any of the following signs:

  • Lumps, bumps, pimples, or scaly lesions on your skin
  • The edges surrounding the lump may be uneven 
  • The lump may be translucent and close to your normal skin color, or white, brown or black
  • The lump appears shinier and smoother than the surrounding skin with tiny blood vessels
  • The lump may be itchy or painful
  • There could be an ulcer developing from the lump that may ooze out clear fluid or blood
  • A lesion that may look like a crater

How can BCC be treated?

Treatment for BCC will be determined by your dermatologist depending on the stage of the tumor. 

Your doctor may recommend topical creams with anticancer drugs like imiquimod or 5- fluorouracil, for small lesions. 

Treatments for larger lesions include:

  • Electrodesiccation and curettage: Scraping off the cancerous lumps with a curette
  • Surgery: Excision using scalpel
  • Cryotherapy or cryosurgery: To freeze cancer cells
  • Chemotherapy: Using powerful medicines to kill cancer cells
  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT): Applying blue light and a light-sensitive agent to your skin
  • Laser therapy: Using lasers instead of scalpel to remove cancer cells

Conclusion

It can be frightening to find a cancerous lump on your skin. Basal cell carcinoma is common and the treatment is effective, especially if detected at an early stage. Removing cancer cells from your body can help you get back to your routine quickly. 

Seek medical help if you notice any lumps or bumps on your skin to get them examined and treated immediately.