Who Is at Risk?
Risk of Recurrence
The Most Common Type of Skin Cancer
What Causes Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It begins in the basal cells, which are located in the deepest layer of the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer.
BCCs typically grow slowly and are highly treatable, especially when detected early. Although they rarely spread to other parts of the body, untreated basal cell carcinomas can continue to grow and damage nearby skin, cartilage, bone, and other surrounding tissues.
At UDermic Health, our physicians provide comprehensive skin cancer care, from evaluation and diagnosis to treatment, Mohs micrographic surgery, and coordination of reconstruction when needed.
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds is the primary risk factor for basal cell carcinoma. Because of this, BCCs frequently develop on areas that receive significant sun exposure, including the:
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Face and nose
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Ears
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Scalp
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Neck
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Shoulders
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Arms and hands
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Back
Basal cell carcinoma can occasionally develop in areas that receive little or no sun exposure. Other less common contributing factors may include previous radiation exposure, chronic wounds or inflammation, significant scars or burns, and certain environmental exposures.
Anyone with a history of sun exposure can develop basal cell carcinoma. However, people with fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue, green, or gray eyes are at greater risk. BCC is most commonly diagnosed in older adults, but the average age at diagnosis has decreased as cases have become more common. While basal cell carcinoma is rare in children, it can occasionally occur in teenagers, and dermatologists are seeing more cases among adults in their twenties and thirties.
Historically, basal cell carcinoma has been diagnosed more frequently in men than women, although the number of women developing BCC has increased. People who spend significant amounts of time outdoors, whether for work or recreation, may also have a greater risk because of increased sun exposure.
Basal cell carcinoma is highly treatable when detected early. However, as a tumor becomes larger, treatment may become more extensive. Although BCC rarely spreads, or metastasizes, to vital organs, it can grow into and damage surrounding tissue. Some basal cell carcinomas may also behave more aggressively than others, making early diagnosis and treatment especially important.
When smaller skin cancers are removed, the resulting scar is typically manageable from a cosmetic standpoint. Larger tumors may require a more complex repair. In these cases, a skin graft or flap may be used to close the surgical area, support proper healing, and achieve the best possible cosmetic result.
People who have had a basal cell carcinoma have an increased risk of developing additional basal cell carcinomas in the future. A new cancer may develop near the original treatment site or on another area of the body. For this reason, regular visits with a dermatologist are important so that previously treated areas and the entire skin surface can be carefully examined.
Basal cell carcinomas involving certain areas, including the scalp and nose, can be particularly concerning for recurrence. When a BCC does return after treatment, recurrence often occurs within the first few years following surgery, making continued skin examinations and monitoring especially important.
If a basal cell carcinoma returns, your physician may recommend a different treatment approach based on the location, size, and characteristics of the tumor. For certain recurrent basal cell carcinomas, Mohs micrographic surgery may be recommended because it allows the surgeon to carefully examine the tissue while removing the cancer and preserving as much healthy surrounding skin as possible.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
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