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Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for roughly 8 in 10 skin cancer diagnoses. It develops in the basal cells of the outer skin layer, most often on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, neck, and scalp. BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but left unchecked it can invade surrounding tissue, nerves, and even bone. At Genesis Dermatology in Jupiter, FL, board-certified dermatologists diagnose and treat basal cell carcinoma with a focus on complete removal and minimal scarring.
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What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma starts when basal cells, found in the deepest layer of the epidermis, begin to grow uncontrollably, usually because of cumulative sun exposure or indoor tanning. It’s classified as nonmelanoma skin cancer, meaning it behaves very differently from melanoma: BCC grows slowly, over months or years, and metastasis (spread to other organs) is extremely rare.

That said, “rarely spreads” doesn’t mean harmless. Without treatment, BCC continues to grow locally, and the longer it goes unaddressed, the more tissue, nerves, and structures it can damage, especially when it develops near the eyes, nose, ears, or lips.

How to Detect Basal Cell Carcinoma

BCC can look different from patient to patient, but a few patterns show up consistently. Signs to watch include:
  • A pearly, waxy, or translucent bump, often with small visible blood vessels running through it
  • A flat, flesh-colored or brownish scar-like lesion with a slightly raised, rolled edge
  • A pink or reddish patch that looks scaly or slightly indented
  • An open sore that bleeds, oozes, or crusts and doesn't heal within three to four weeks, or one that heals and then reopens
  • Most commonly found on the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back, the areas that get the most cumulative sun exposure

When Should You See a Doctor?

You don’t need to wait for a scheduled annual visit if something looks or feels off. Make an appointment if you notice:
  • A new bump, patch, or sore that hasn't healed within three to four weeks
  • A spot that bleeds easily or without any injury
  • A sore that seems to heal, then breaks open again
  • Any lesion that is slowly changing in size, shape, or color
  • You have fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer and haven't had a baseline skin exam

What Happens If Basal Cell Carcinoma Is Left Untreated?

Because BCC grows slowly and rarely causes pain, it’s easy to put off getting it checked. But untreated basal cell carcinoma doesn’t stay small. It continues to invade the tissue around it, and around delicate areas like the eyelids, nose, and ears, that growth can destroy cartilage, damage nerves, and lead to significant disfigurement.

The practical consequence of waiting is a bigger, more complex procedure later. A BCC caught early is often removed in a single, relatively simple outpatient procedure with a small scar. A BCC that’s been allowed to grow for months or years may require extensive surgery and reconstruction to repair the area. In rare, longstanding cases, deeply invasive or neglected BCC can also spread to nearby lymph nodes or, very rarely, to distant sites.

The Genesis Dermatology Process

If you have a spot you’re concerned about, here’s what to expect when you come in:
  • A visual and dermatoscopic exam of the lesion by a board-certified dermatologist
  • A quick in-office biopsy (shave or punch) if the spot looks suspicious, sent to a lab for confirmation
  • A follow-up conversation once pathology results are in, walking through your diagnosis and treatment options
  • A treatment plan tailored to the size, location, and subtype of the BCC, ranging from surgical excision to Mohs micrographic surgery for areas like the face where preserving healthy tissue matters most
  • Most procedures are done on the same day in the office, followed by a personalized schedule of skin checks to watch for recurrence or new lesions

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’ve noticed a new bump, sore, or patch that isn’t healing, don’t wait for it to get bigger. Schedule a skin exam with the board-certified dermatologists at Genesis Dermatology in Jupiter, FL, and get a clear answer, and a treatment plan, as soon as possible.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is basal cell carcinoma dangerous?
BCC is highly treatable, especially when caught early, and it very rarely spreads to other organs. The main risk is local tissue damage from a growth that’s gone unaddressed for a long time, which is why early evaluation matters even though BCC isn’t considered life-threatening in the way melanoma can be.
Metastasis is extremely rare with BCC. The bigger concern is local invasion, meaning the cancer growing into nearby skin, nerves, and structures if it isn’t treated.
Treatment depends on the size, depth, and location of the lesion. Options include surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery for cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas, and topical or destructive treatments for select superficial cases. Your provider will recommend the approach with the best cure rate for your specific BCC.
Mohs surgery is often recommended for BCCs on the face, ears, and other areas where preserving as much healthy tissue as possible is important, or for tumors that have recurred. Your dermatologist will let you know if you’re a candidate during your consultation.
Yes, recurrence is possible, which is why follow-up skin checks are part of every treatment plan. Catching a recurrence early keeps treatment simple.
Basal cell carcinoma diagnosis and treatment are medically necessary procedures and are typically covered by insurance. Our team can help verify your specific benefits before treatment.