Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): What Everyone Should Know About the Most Common Skin Cancer

We all know we should be wearing sunscreen and avoiding indoor tanning to help prevent skin cancer. But when it comes to knowledge, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common.

Fortunately, knowing the signs to watch out for can help speed an early diagnosis and less invasive treatment.

Dr. Trevan Fischer, a board-certified surgical oncologist, employs state-of-the-art surgical techniques to treat skin cancer like basal cell carcinoma and more at his private practice in Los Angeles, Fullerton, and Orange, California.

He also performs complex surgeries for conditions such as soft tissue sarcoma, hernias, and others.

When he isn't treating patients, Dr. Fischer trains fellows in surgical oncology and keeps up-to-date on the latest findings by working on clinical trials at Cedars Sinai-affiliate The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute.

Basal cell carcinoma

Over five million cases of basal and squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed each year. Of this number, eight in 10 are BCC.

Basal cells are found in the deepest part of the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. Often this type of cancer grows on areas of the body that receive significant sun exposure, like the head and neck.

In some cases, it can develop on parts of the skin that are not exposed to sunlight, such as the genitals, so it is important to get any new or suspicious blemish checked out.

Risk factors

In addition to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and indoor tanning, risk factors include getting older, having skin that burns easily, and experiencing a personal or family history of skin cancer.

Certain medical conditions, such as undergoing radiation therapy or having a suppressed immune system, can also increase the likelihood.

Symptoms

Basal cell carcinoma can appear as a:

Shiny bump
Translucent or pink growth
Red patch
Open sore
Scar

It might itch, ooze, crust, or bleed, and have a rolled border.

It can also look different from person to person. In those with dark skin, BCCs are tan, brown, or black about half the time and can look like a typical mole.

Diagnosis and treatment

Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly but can expand wider and deeper, affecting the skin, underlying tissues, and bone.

Diagnosis typically involves examining the lesion and removing part of it for viewing under a microscope.

If it is cancer, a wide local excision is performed to remove the growth along with a small ring of healthy tissue around it. This ensures all cancer cells are gone and helps decrease the chance of a recurrence.

Whether you've found a new or changed growth on your skin or have already been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, Dr. Fischer can help. Click to book an appointment or call the office today at 310-807-2688.