Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer and arises from the basal cells of the epidermis — the lowest layer of skin that continuously produces new skin cells.
Although rarely life-threatening, BCC can be locally destructive, damaging surrounding tissue if not treated early.
BCC originates from mutations in the DNA of basal keratinocytes, most often due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds.
The key gene involved is the PTCH1 gene on chromosome 9, part of the hedgehog signaling pathway, which regulates cell growth.
When this pathway is disrupted, uncontrolled basal cell proliferation occurs, forming a tumor.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| UV Exposure | Chronic sun exposure, tanning beds |
| Skin Type | Fair skin, light eyes, light hair, easily sunburned |
| Age | Usually over 50, but rising in younger people with high UV exposure |
| Genetic Syndromes | Basal cell nevus (Gorlin) syndrome |
| Immune Suppression | Organ transplant patients, HIV, long-term steroid use |
| Environmental | Arsenic exposure, radiation therapy history |
| Lifestyle | Outdoor work, chronic wounds or burns in same area |
BCCs are slow-growing and usually appear on sun-exposed areas (face, neck, scalp, ears, hands).
Common forms include:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Nodular BCC | Pearly or translucent bump with visible blood vessels (telangiectasia); may ulcerate (“rodent ulcer”) |
| Superficial BCC | Red, scaly patch, often on the trunk; may mimic eczema |
| Morpheaform (sclerosing) BCC | Flat, scar-like lesion with poorly defined edges; more aggressive |
| Pigmented BCC | Brown or black hue resembling melanoma |
Typical signs:
Doesn’t heal or recurs in the same spot
Bleeds easily with minor trauma
Crusted surface or rolled edges
May cause local numbness or itching
BCCs are slow-growing and usually appear on sun-exposed areas (face, neck, scalp, ears, hands).
Common forms include:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Nodular BCC | Pearly or translucent bump with visible blood vessels (telangiectasia); may ulcerate (“rodent ulcer”) |
| Superficial BCC | Red, scaly patch, often on the trunk; may mimic eczema |
| Morpheaform (sclerosing) BCC | Flat, scar-like lesion with poorly defined edges; more aggressive |
| Pigmented BCC | Brown or black hue resembling melanoma |
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer and arises from the basal cells of the epidermis — the lowest layer of skin that continuously produces new skin cells.
Although rarely life-threatening, BCC can be locally destructive, damaging surrounding tissue if not treated early.
BCC originates from mutations in the DNA of basal keratinocytes, most often due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds.
The key gene involved is the PTCH1 gene on chromosome 9, part of the hedgehog signaling pathway, which regulates cell growth.
When this pathway is disrupted, uncontrolled basal cell proliferation occurs, forming a tumor.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| UV Exposure | Chronic sun exposure, tanning beds |
| Skin Type | Fair skin, light eyes, light hair, easily sunburned |
| Age | Usually over 50, but rising in younger people with high UV exposure |
| Genetic Syndromes | Basal cell nevus (Gorlin) syndrome |
| Immune Suppression | Organ transplant patients, HIV, long-term steroid use |
| Environmental | Arsenic exposure, radiation therapy history |
| Lifestyle | Outdoor work, chronic wounds or burns in same area |
BCCs are slow-growing and usually appear on sun-exposed areas (face, neck, scalp, ears, hands).
Common forms include:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Nodular BCC | Pearly or translucent bump with visible blood vessels (telangiectasia); may ulcerate (“rodent ulcer”) |
| Superficial BCC | Red, scaly patch, often on the trunk; may mimic eczema |
| Morpheaform (sclerosing) BCC | Flat, scar-like lesion with poorly defined edges; more aggressive |
| Pigmented BCC | Brown or black hue resembling melanoma |
Typical signs:
Doesn’t heal or recurs in the same spot
Bleeds easily with minor trauma
Crusted surface or rolled edges
May cause local numbness or itching
Apply externally only to affected area 2-6x daily.
Apply generously to affected areas.
Apply a few drops to the affected areas topically, and gently massage it into the skin
