Q My mother was just diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma. What can you tell me about this type of cancer?

A Basal cell carcinoma is a skin cancer that starts in the basal cells of the skin. These cells are located in the deepest part of the most superficial layer of skin. Basal cells normally generate skin cells that grow toward the surface of the skin and ultimately slough off.

In BCC, these cells become cancerous and multiply uncontrollably, forming bumps or lesions on the skin.

BCC is not only the most common type of skin cancer, it is the most common type of cancer in general. There are approximately 4 million cases in the U.S. every year. At particular risk are older adults, those with fair skin and anyone with excessive sun exposure.

BCC is usually caused by damage to the basal cells from sunlight or other forms of ultraviolet radiation.

Because of this, it is most commonly found in areas that have been exposed to sunlight: face, scalp, nose, eyelids, ears, arms and legs.

The appearance of BCC varies considerably from case to case. A typical presentation is a growth or sore that won’t heal or becomes itchy and bleeds easily. BCCs may look like round, shiny bumps with tiny, visible blood vessels. They can appear as shallow marks that are lighter than the surrounding skin. Sometimes they look like waxy white scars, or even very dark pigmented spots. Photos and descriptions of different forms of BCC may be found on the American Academy of Dermatology website: aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/bcc/symptoms.

A dermatologist can often recognize BCC by looking at the lesion, but a definitive diagnosis is made by taking a sample (biopsy) and examining the tissue under a microscope.

Treatment of BCC is complete removal of the cancer. Various forms of surgical removal are used, depending on the type and location of the lesion. Other ways to remove BCC include freezing and light therapy. Some superficial BCCs can be eradicated by using medications applied to the skin. The prognosis is excellent once the lesion is removed, but recurrence is not uncommon.

While most BCCs do not spread very far, if left untreated they can slowly grow into surrounding body tissues like muscle, cartilage and even bone. This can be quite disfiguring and potentially dangerous. In extremely rare cases, BCC can metastasize to another location in the body.

Reduce your risk of BCC

• Avoid sun exposure during the middle of the day.

• Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps.

• Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day.

• Wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.

• Perform regular skin self-exams.

• See a dermatologist annually.

Sue Smith volunteers with the Grillo Center, which offers free, confidential research to assist in health understanding and decisions. To use this service, contact grillocenter.org or 303-415-7293. No research or assistance should be interpreted as medical advice. We encourage informed consultation with a health practitioner.