Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer in the world. It is a type of nonmelanoma skin cancer and is easily detected and highly treatable.
BCC develops from exposure to damaging ultraviolet sunlight and tanning beds. This cancer starts in the basal cell (top) layer of the skin and grows very slowly. It develops mainly on the areas exposed to the sun, such as the:
Risk factors for basal cell carcinoma include:
Basal cell carcinomas may appear to heal on their own but inevitably will recur. Common symptoms of basal cell carcinoma include:
Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and rarely metastasizes. If untreated, however, they may invade local structures such as fat, muscle and bone deep in the skin's surface and cause functional or cosmetic impairment.
The appropriate treatment depends on multiple factors including:
Among the many treatment options we offer at UCLA Dermatology are:
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (310) 825-6911.
