Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

The Most Common Form of Skin Cancer

What causes BCC?

Exposure to sunlight is the cause of almost all BCCs, which occur most frequently on exposed parts of body including the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders and back. Although rare, tumors can also develop in unexposed areas. Causes for this include exposure to radiation, complications of burns, scars, infections, vaccinations and chronic inflammatory skin conditions. BCCs arise in the basal cells, which are at the bottom of the epidermis.

Who gets BCC?

People at highest risk have fair skin, blond or red hair and light eyes. The population most affected are older people; however, the average age of the disease’s onset has decreased steadily in recent years. Men over 40 spend the most time outdoors and have the highest annual exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Although men with BCC have typically outnumbered women, that statistic is also changing. In the past 30 years, skin cancer has tripled in women under age 40.

What are the five warning signs of BCC?

R                  An open sore that bleeds, oozes or crusts for three or more weeks is a very common sign of an early BCC

R                  A reddish patch occurring on the chest, shoulders, arms or legs that may itch or hurt

R                  A pink growth with a slightly elevated rolled border and a crusted indentation in the center

R                  A shiny bump or nodule that is pearly or translucent and can be pink, red, white or tan, or black or brown in dark-haired people, and can be confused with a mole

R                  A scar-like area that is white, yellow or waxy with poorly defined borders can be an indication of an aggressive tumor

	Examples of	Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)