As with other skin cancers, these lesions are often sensitive to minor irritation - such as being rubbed with a towel.  In this circumstance it is common for the lesions to bleed and fail to heal properly.  As basal cell carcinomas enlarge, the central portion may become more depressed as the margins become more raised.  Small blood vessels may also become visible through the skin surface.

There are several variants of basal cell carcinoma.  One of these variants is Pigmented BCC.  This type is more common in patients with darker skin tones and the lesions can appear more brown or even black in colour.

Another form of BCC is the superficial spreading type.  Though this type occurs on the face, it also commonly arises on the trunk and extremities.  Rather then pearly bumps on the skin, Superficial Spreading BCC tends to appear as red scaly lesions associated with smaller crusted erosions.

Infiltrative BCC is possibly the most insidious form of this skin cancer.  This form may present as a scar-like lesion that grows slowly over time.  For this reason, it may not be recognized as a medical concern in the early stages by either patients or their doctors.

Fortunately, though basal cell carcinomas are local threats to the skin, they rarely spread to more distant areas of the body.  Left untreated, however, BCCs can continue to grow and invade deeply into adjacent tissue.

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Since basal cell carcinoma can be a challenge to identify and treat, referral to a specialist with specific knowledge of cutaneous oncology is essential.  This is particularly true when these cancers occur on anatomically precious regions of the body such as the scalp, face, neck, hands, feet and genitals,

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Mohs Surgery is considered the gold standard of care for non-melanoma skin cancers in such sensitive areas.

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At Park Dermatology, our staff includes an ACMS certified, ACGMS fellowship trained Mohs Surgeon with the expertise to direct your skin cancer care.