Basal cell carcinoma, how can it be recognised?

By Cristiano Antonino On Dec 7, 2022

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer that usually appears in areas most exposed to the sun, such as the head, face and back

What is Basal cell carcinoma?

Basalioma is a type of skin cancer that starts in the basal cell layer, the outermost part of the epidermis.

These tumours usually develop on sun-exposed areas, particularly the face, scalp, ears, neck, shoulders and back; prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is believed to cause it.

How can one recognise a Basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as a change in the skin, an abnormal growth or a sore that bleeds and does not heal.

It can present itself on the skin in various guises, but to recognise it, one only needs to observe a few features:

a shiny, discoloured, transparent-like protuberance that allows a glimpse of tiny blood vessels;
a brown or black, lentil-like lesion – with a slightly raised, translucent edge;
a flat pink or red, slightly scaly spot with a tendency to indent in the centre;
a white, waxy, scar-like lesion with an irregular shape.

The Basal cell carcinoma may grow over time (albeit very slowly), bleed and scab or turn into a painless ulcer.

How serious is Basal cell carcinoma?

For most people, basalioma is not life-threatening.

Unlike melanoma, which originates from melanocytes (pigment cells) and is very aggressive, this type of skin cancer develops locally and tends to remain localised and not spread to other parts of the body.

However, if left untreated, it can grow deep, touching nerves, blood vessels and even reaching the underlying bone, deforming it.

Therefore, early treatment remains the first weapon of basalioma prevention, together with periodic self-observation of the skin, not only of sun-exposed parts.