Basal Cell Carcinoma: Warning Signs, Risk Factors, and Treatment Options

Learning more about common skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, is an important step when prioritizing the health of your skin. 

With the amount of diagnosed cases rising year after year, it is essential to gain a deeper understanding of this dangerous skin disease to keep your risk of developing it as low as possible. 

Read The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington’s helpful basal cell carcinoma guide to learn what this skin cancer is, where it begins, how it shows up on the skin, risk factors, and how we treat basal cell carcinoma in Wilmington. 

 

What You Should Know About Basal Cell Carcinoma 

Quick Basal Cell Carcinoma Facts 

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. 
• It is estimated that around 3.6 million cases of BCC are diagnosed every year in the United States alone. 
• Basal cell carcinoma is a slow-growing skin cancer that’s often easily treatable. 
• Those who have ever tanned indoors have a 29 percent increased risk of developing basal cell carcinoma.
• Basal cell carcinoma is most often caused by exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, such as those from the sun or indoor tanning beds. 
• Fair-skinned people, those who easily sunburn, are more likely to get basal cell carcinoma than darker-skinned individuals. 

 

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma? 

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a form of skin cancer that develops from a portion of the epidermis (the top layer of the skin). When these cells become damaged, they begin to reproduce out of control, causing the growth of a cancerous lesion. 

 

What Causes Basal Cell Carcinoma? 

This form of skin cancer is primarily caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation, typically from the sun, indoor tanning beds, or sunlamps. UV radiation damages DNA in skin cells, which increases the risk of genetic mutations that cause skin cancer. 

 

What are Common Basal Cell Carcinoma Symptoms? 

There are a few distinct ways that basal cell carcinoma shows up on the skin. Some of the most common basal cell carcinoma warning signs and symptoms include: 

• Open sore that heals and comes back.
• Skin lesion that never seems to fully heal.
• Raised pink growth with an indented center.
• Lesion that looks similar to a pimple that continues to enlarge and occasionally bleeds.
• Shiny, translucent, or pearly nodule. 
• Growths with raised, rolled edges.

If you’ve noticed any of the basal cell carcinoma symptoms mentioned above, we urge you to make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist as soon as possible. Early detection is key for effective basal cell carcinoma treatment! 

 

What are the Risk Factors for Basal Cell Carcinoma? 

A risk factor is anything that increases your risk of developing basal cell carcinoma, as well as other forms of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. 

Basal cell carcinoma risk factors include: 

• Frequent exposure to UV rays
• Fair complexion (light skin; blond or red hair; blue, green, or grey eyes; or skin that freckles or burns easily)
• Previous history of skin cancer 
• Males aged 40 years or older
• Females younger than 40 years old
• Organ transplant 
• History of frequent sunburns 
• Use of indoor tanning beds 

While not all of these things are avoidable, there are certain steps you can take to reduce your risk. Examples include completely avoiding the use of tanning beds, regularly wearing sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent sunburns, and staying out of the sun during peak hours. 

 

Top Treatments for Basal Cell Carcinoma 

At The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington, we use several different procedures to treat basal cell carcinoma. These treatments may include one or a combination of the following: 

• Mohs Surgery
• Surgical Excision
• Curettage and Electrodesiccation (Electrosurgery)
• Photodynamic Therapy
• Cryosurgery
• Topical Medications

To learn more about the top skin cancer treatments we utilize at our dermatology clinic in Wilmington, NC, read this helpful guide. 

 

Professional Skin Cancer Treatment at Wilmington Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center 

Do you need to schedule a skin cancer treatment, or have you noticed a suspicious spot on your body and need to visit a dermatologist for a thorough skin cancer screening? 

The board-certified dermatologists at our state-of-the-art clinic in Wilmington are here to help with professional dermatology services. Contact us to schedule an appointment today! 

 

Exceptional Dermatology Services in Wilmington, NC 

If you’re ready to schedule your skin cancer evaluation or treatment, get in touch with the Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington. Call us at (910) 782-0028 to schedule a skin consultation.