Basal Cell Carcinoma in Oxnard

In the United States alone, it’s estimated that about 2 million Americans hear, “You have basal cell carcinoma,” each year.

Most people who develop this skin cancer have fair skin that they seldom protected with sunscreen or sun-protective clothing. Before they developed skin cancer, they often noticed signs of sun damage on their skin, such as age spots, patches of discolored skin, and deep wrinkles.

You have a greater risk of developing this skin cancer if you’ve seldom protected your skin from the sun throughout your life or used tanning beds. Although BCC is most common in people who have fair skin, people of all colors get this skin cancer.

For most people, BCC is not life-threatening. It tends to grow slowly. It seldom spreads to another part of the body. Even so, treatment is important.

When found early, this skin cancer is highly treatable. An early BCC can often be removed during an appointment with your dermatologist.

Given time to grow, this skin cancer can grow deep, injuring nerves, blood vessels, and anything else in its path. As the cancer cells pile up and form a large tumor, the cancer can reach into the bone beneath. This can change the way you look, and for some people the change may be disfiguring.

Finding and treating this skin cancer early can prevent it from growing deep. To do this, it helps to know the signs and symptoms of BCC.

One common sign is a slowly growing, non-healing spot that sometimes bleeds. BCC can also appear on the skin in other ways.

What are the signs and symptoms of basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that can show up on the skin in many ways. Also known as BCC, this skin cancer tends to grow slowly and can be mistaken for a harmless pimple, scar, or sore.

To help you spot BCC before it grows deep into your skin, dermatologists share these 7 warning signs that could be easily missed.

If you find any of the following signs on your skin, schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Lin.

7 warning signs of basal cell carcinoma that you could mistake as harmless

  1. Warning sign: A pink or reddish growth that dips in the center
    Can be mistaken for: A skin injury or acne scar
  2. Warning sign: A growth or scaly patch of skin on or near the ear
    Can be mistaken for: Scaly, dry skin, minor injury, or scar
  3. Warning sign: A sore that doesn’t heal (or heals and returns) and may bleed, ooze, or crust over
    Can be mistaken for: Sore or pimple
  4. Warning sign: A scaly, slightly raised patch of irritated skin, which could be red, pink, or another color
    Can be mistaken for: Dry, irritated skin, especially if it’s red or pink
  5. Warning sign: A round growth that may be pink, red, brown, black, tan, or the same color as your skin
    Can be mistaken for: A mole, wart, or other harmless growth.
  6. Warning sign: A spot on the skin that feels a bit scaly
    Can be mistaken for: Age spot or freckle.
  7. Warning sign: A scar-like mark on your skin that may be white, yellow, or skin-colored and waxy. The affected skin may look shiny and the surrounding skin often feels tight.
    Can be mistaken for: A scar

Where does BCC develop?

As the above pictures show, this skin cancer tends to develop on skin that has had lots of sun exposure, such as the face or ears. It’s also common on the bald scalp and hands. Other common areas for BCC include, the shoulders, back, arms, and legs.

While rare, BCC can also form on parts of the body that get little or no sun exposure, such as the genitals.

What color is BCC?

This skin cancer tends to be one color, but the color can vary from one BCC to the next. This cancer may be:

  • Red or pink (most common)
  • Brown, black, or show flecks of these colors
  • The same color as your skin
  • Yellowish
  • White

Does BCC hurt?

For many people, the only sign of this skin cancer is a slow-growing bump, sore-like growth, or rough-feeling patch on their skin. However, some people develop symptoms where they have this skin cancer.

Symptoms include:

  • Numbness
  • A pins-and-needles sensation
  • Extreme sensitivity
  • Itching

How do people find BCC on their skin?

Many people find it when they notice a spot, lump, or scaly patch on their skin that is growing or feels different from the rest of their skin. If you notice any spot on your skin that is growing, bleeding, or changing in any way, see a board-certified dermatologist. These doctors have the most training and experience in diagnosing skin cancer.

To find skin cancer early, dermatologists recommend that everyone check their own skin with a skin self-exam. This is especially important for people who have a higher risk of developing BCC.