Be Aware of Basal Cell Skin Cancer Signs

There are clear-cut indicators that mean basal-cell carcinoma is affecting you. This common skin cancer shows up in certain ways, and anyone can get it treated in a timely fashion if they know what to look for.

“Basal-cell skin cancers are the most common skin cancer, and while they are rarely fatal, they are often disfiguring,” said Jenny Nelson, MD, Avera Medical Group dermatological surgeon. “When they develop and are not treated, it can lead to removal of a nose, an ear or the development of a large ulcer on the skin.”

Look for Lingering Pimples

Skin inflammations, especially those that will not heal for weeks or months, or ones that seem to return again and again, could indicate basal cell skin cancer.

“If you have a tender sore that always bleeds or a bright pink patch of skin, you should have it examined,” Nelson said.

She said something that almost looks like a rash should also be checked out; this condition can appear as a shiny spot on your skin, or a color change that never seems to go away.

Tender or Sore Spots Can Be Signs

Basal cell skin cancers can appear as a mild injury, such as a small cut or a bug bite that itches.

“They can be a problem if they never seem to heal. They were likely a basal cell development that was then injured,” Nelson said. The lack of healing is a telling sign the skin lesion is something more serious, she added.

Pearly Bumps Are Another Indicator of Trouble

Some basal-cell skin cancers will not bleed, but instead form a crusty surface. In other cases, they will develop into a clear, almost pearl-colored bump that sometimes has red streaks.

“Those streaks are blood vessels, and usually are tell-tale signs of a basal cell condition,” said Nelson.

Treatment and Recovery from Skin Cancer

Nelson said that when caught early, this troublesome skin cancer can be treated. But timing is vital.

“If they are left untreated, they can lead to significant damage in the area where they develop – in some cases leading to surgical removal of surrounding skin or tissue,” she said.

Surgical treatment, such as Mohs surgery, can help people avoid disfiguring procedures.

Act if you notice any of the signs of basal-cell skin cancer.

Schedule a skin check with a dermatologist.