What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma? Know Causes, Symptoms And More

Kevin Jonas recently announced that a mole on his forehead was causing skin cancer. On being diagnosed with the same, he underwent surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma from his head. Do you know what is basal cell carcinoma and how is it caused? If not, then here we are with detailed information.

What is basal cell carcinoma?

It is a type of skin cancer that begins in the basal cells - a type of cell within the skin that produces new skin cells as old ones die off. According to the Mayo Clinic, basal cell carcinoma often appears as a slightly "transparent bump" on the skin, though it can take "other forms". It occurs mostly on the areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, like the head and neck. "Most basal cell carcinomas are thought to be caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. Avoiding the sun and using sunscreen may help protect against basal cell carcinoma," a report in Mayo Clinic read.

On white skin, basal cell carcinoma often looks like a bump that's skin-coloured or pink, while on brown or black skin it looks like a bump that's brown or glossy black and has a rolled border.

Types of basal cell carcinoma

There are four main types of basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Nodular: The most prevalent type of BCC is the nodular BCC, which bears a resemblance to a round pimple with visible blood vessels surrounding it (telangiectasia).

Superficial spreading: This type of skin condition causes small, shallow lesions that are slightly lighter in colour than the surrounding skin. These lesions typically form on the torso, arms, and legs.

Sclerosing (morphea form): These cancerous lesions are reminiscent of scars that gradually enlarge over time. They primarily manifest on the face and can also present as a small red dot on the skin.

Pigmented: This is an uncommon form of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) that induces hyperpigmentation, leading to the darkening of the skin in a specific area compared to the surrounding skin.

Symptoms and Causes of Basal Cell Carcinoma

A change to one's DNA causes basal cell carcinoma. This usually happens after the skin has too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight or tanning beds, per Cleveland Clinic.

It appears like lumps, bumps, pimples, scabs or scaly lesions on your skin.

The lump may be slightly see-through (translucent) and close to your normal skin colour.

The lump may appear shinier than the skin around it with tiny visible blood vessels.

The lump may grow slowly over time.

The lump may be itchy or painful.

The lump may form an ulcer, which can ooze clear fluid or bleed with contact.