Basal Cell Carcinoma: What Patients Should Know

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What it is

Basal cell carcinoma is a common skin cancer. It usually behaves locally, but without treatment it can progressively damage nearby tissue.

Warning signs

A pearly nodule, a sore that does not heal, recurrent bleeding, a pink or red scaly patch, a scar-like area or a changing pigmented lesion should be assessed.

Diagnosis and treatment

Clinical examination and dermoscopy are useful, but diagnosis is confirmed by tissue examination. Treatment depends on site, size, subtype, prior treatment, recurrence and the margins required. Surgery is a main option for many cases.

Important locations

Lesions on the face, eyelids, nose, ears and lips may need precise margin control and reconstructive planning. In selected cases, margin-controlled surgery, including a Mohs approach, may be considered.

When a second opinion is reasonable

A second opinion can be helpful for recurrent disease, large lesions, difficult locations, unclear pathology or a planned substantial reconstruction.

Related resources

This information is educational and does not replace individual medical advice.