Everything You Need to Know About Basal Cell Carcinoma

When it comes to skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, or BCC is the one most people are at risk of getting. Fortunately, it is easy to detect early. Early detection means that the skin cancer can be treated and eradicated before it has a chance to spread. Here are some warning signs of basal cell skin cancer:

An Open Sore That Won’t Heal

An open sore that won’t heal is a sign of basal cell carcinoma. These sores often crust up and seem to heal, but then start to bleed again.

A Shiny Bump

Sometimes basal cell carcinoma presents as a bump or a nodule that’s clear or has a pearly sheen to it. These nodules can be many colors, including white, pink, red, black, tan or brown. Because of this coloration, these bumps are sometimes confused with moles.

A Red Growth with Rolled Borders

A red growth with peculiarly rolled borders is also a warning that BCC may be developing. This lesion is indented and often crusted in the middle. It may also develop its own blood vessels over time.

A Red Patch

A patch of skin that’s constantly irritated or red and won’t go away is another sign of BCC. These patches are most often found on the chest, arms, legs, shoulders and face. They may or may not hurt or itch.

A Patch That Resembles a Scar

Another sign to pay attention to is an area of skin that looks like a scar. The skin has a waxy look and may be white or yellow. The borders are poorly defined, and the skin is tight and shiny. This type of sign may indicate that the BCC has spread.

The importance of seeing a Scarsdale dermatologist to treat skin cancer

These lesions can mimic other, less dangerous skin conditions such as eczema, acne, normal moles or psoriasis. Because of that, it’s important that a person see their dermatologist if they discover any changes in their skin that are unusual and troubling.

Adults should have regular skin cancer screening with their dermatologist. However, if there is something alarming on your skin be sure to have it checked out by a board-certified dermatologist. The Westchester Center for Dermatology has two offices conveniently located in Manhattan and Scarsdale for residents of New York City and Westchester County.