Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common type of skin cancer
What is it?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer and often occurs on the scalp. Basal cells live in the top layer of the skin and are responsible for making new skin. Basal cell carcinoma happens when these cells overgrow, often due to DNA damage from UV damage related to sun exposure or indoor tanning. Approximately 3.6 million cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. This type of skin cancer is typically slow growing and can be treated early.
What does it look like on the scalp?
Basal cell carcinoma can look like pink or red shiny bumps, open sores, red patches, scars or growths with slightly rolled edges and/or a central crater. They may be painful, itch, bleed, ooze or crust. Basal cell carcinomas often occur on sun-exposed areas of the body. In people with darker skin tone, basal cell carinomas can be brown in color.
Most importantly, basal cell carcinomas can look different from person to person, so it is important to see a dermatologist for a professional look.
*Image Source Attribution: All images were sourced from DermNet. Link: https://dermnetnz.org/
How dangerous is it?
Although BCC rarely spreads from its original site on the skin, they can grow and become disfiguring. If left untreated, they can invade and destroy surrounding healthy skin and bone. Even if treated, BCC can recur, especially if treated late. On very rare occasion, BCC can spread to other parts of the body and become life threatening.
