Rak podstawnokomórkowy
Objawy

Rak podstawnokomórkowy (BCC) to najczęstszy nowotwór złośliwy skóry, wywodzący się z komórek warstwy podstawnej naskórka, stanowiący około 80% wszystkich nowotworów skóry. Charakteryzuje się powolnym wzrostem, rzadkim występowaniem przerzutów oraz miejscową inwazyjnością prowadzącą do destrukcji tkanek. Klinicznie BCC manifestuje się w kilku postaciach: guzkowej (najczęstsza, perłowobiały guzek z teleangiektazjami), powierzchownej (płaski, łuszczący się, czerwonawy obszar), barwnikowej (brązowe, czarne lub niebieskie zmiany) oraz twardzinopodobnej (morpheaform) – agresywnej, przypominającej bliznę. Zmiany lokalizują się głównie na obszarach eksponowanych na promieniowanie UV, zwłaszcza na twarzy, głowie i szyi. Typowy przebieg obejmuje powolny wzrost zmiany, miejscową inwazję, a w rzadkich przypadkach przerzuty do węzłów chłonnych i narządów odległych. Wczesne zmiany mają zwykle średnicę poniżej 2 cm, a tempo wzrostu może wynosić od 1 mm do 1 cm rocznie.

Definicja i charakterystyka raka podstawnokomórkowego

Rak podstawnokomórkowy (BCC, basal cell carcinoma) to najczęściej występujący nowotwór złośliwy skóry, wywodzący się z komórek warstwy podstawnej naskórka. Jest to nowotwór o powolnym wzroście, który rzadko daje przerzuty odległe, ale charakteryzuje się miejscową złośliwością i zdolnością do niszczenia okolicznych tkanek. Rak podstawnokomórkowy stanowi około 80% wszystkich nowotworów skóry i najczęściej występuje na obszarach ciała eksponowanych na promieniowanie słoneczne, szczególnie na twarzy, głowie i szyi12.

Objawy kliniczne raka podstawnokomórkowego

Rak podstawnokomórkowy może przyjmować różne formy kliniczne, które różnią się wyglądem i przebiegiem. Najczęstsze objawy obejmują zmiany skórne, które mogą występować jako grudki, guzki, owrzodzenia lub płaskie, łuszczące się obszary34.

Postacie kliniczne raka podstawnokomórkowego

Rak podstawnokomórkowy może występować w kilku postaciach klinicznych, z których każda ma charakterystyczne cechy:

Postać guzkowa – najczęstsza postać BCC, która zwykle rozpoczyna się jako mały, lśniący, twardy, prawie przezroczysty lub perłowobiały guzek. Zmiana może być koloru różowego, cielistego lub białego u osób o jasnej karnacji, a u osób o ciemniejszej skórze często ma kolor brązowy lub czarny z wyraźnym, uniesionym brzegiem. Z czasem na powierzchni guza mogą pojawić się rozszerzone naczynia krwionośne (teleangiektazje), a środek może ulec rozpadowi i utworzyć strup35.

Postać powierzchowna – objawia się jako płaski, łuszczący się, czerwonawy lub różowy obszar z lekko uniesionym brzegiem. Ten typ BCC występuje najczęściej na tułowiu i ramionach, rozwija się powoli i ma minimalną tendencję do inwazyjności36.

Postać barwnikowa – charakteryzuje się brązowym, czarnym lub niebieskim zabarwieniem zmiany z lekko uniesionym, przezroczystym brzegiem. Te zmiany mogą być mylone ze znamionami lub czerniakiem37.

Postać twardzinopodobna (morpheaform) – objawia się jako płaski, biały, żółty lub woskowy obszar podobny do blizny, bez wyraźnie zaznaczonych granic. Skóra w tej okolicy jest napięta i lśniąca. Ten typ BCC jest bardziej agresywny biologicznie i może powodować znaczne miejscowe zniszczenie tkanek38.

Typowe objawy raka podstawnokomórkowego

Niezależnie od postaci klinicznej, rak podstawnokomórkowy może wykazywać następujące charakterystyczne objawy:

  • Niegojąca się rana, która może krwawić, sączyć się lub pokrywać się strupem49
  • Lśniący guzek o perłowej, przezroczystej strukturze, który może być koloru cielistego, różowego, białego lub czerwonego710
  • Płaski, łuszczący się, czerwonawy obszar z uniesionym brzegiem311
  • Obszar skóry podobny do blizny – biały, żółty lub woskowy, często bez wyraźnej granicy712
  • Mały, różowy wzrost z lekko uniesionym, zaokrąglonym brzegiem i wgłębieniem w środku, czasem z widocznymi drobnymi naczyniami krwionośnymi na powierzchni712

Zmiany BCC mogą również wykazywać następujące cechy:

  • Świąd lub ból w okolicy zmiany, choć większość BCC jest bezbolesna96
  • Tendencja do krwawienia po niewielkim urazie lub podczas golenia1314
  • Nawracające gojenie i ponowne otwieranie się rany155
  • Powolny, ale stały wzrost zmiany z czasem914

Lokalizacja zmian

Rak podstawnokomórkowy najczęściej rozwija się na obszarach skóry narażonych na działanie słońca, zwłaszcza na1617:

  • Twarzy (szczególnie na nosie, policzkach, czole, fałdach nosowo-wargowych)
  • Głowie i szyi
  • Powiekach
  • Uszach
  • Ramionach i przedramionach
  • Klatce piersiowej i plecach

Rzadziej BCC może rozwinąć się na obszarach ciała zazwyczaj chronionych przed słońcem, takich jak narządy płciowe3.

Progresja i przebieg choroby

Rak podstawnokomórkowy charakteryzuje się powolnym wzrostem i rzadko daje przerzuty odległe. Typowy przebieg choroby obejmuje stopniowe powiększanie się zmiany skórnej i miejscową inwazję okolicznych tkanek181.

Etapy progresji choroby

Progresja raka podstawnokomórkowego można podzielić na kilka etapów1920:

  1. Wczesny etap – mały guz, który nie osiągnął głębszych warstw skóry. Na tym etapie zmiana jest zazwyczaj niewielka (poniżej 2 cm) i możliwa do całkowitego wyleczenia.
  2. Miejscowo zaawansowana choroba – występuje zazwyczaj po kilku latach bez leczenia lub gdy wcześniejsze leczenie było nieskuteczne. Guz wrasta głębiej w podskórne tkanki i może zacząć rozprzestrzeniać się na pobliskie węzły chłonne.
  3. Choroba z przerzutami – bardzo rzadki etap, w którym guz rozprzestrzenia się do innych części ciała, takich jak płuca, wątroba lub inne narządy.

Tempo wzrostu i inwazyjność

Rak podstawnokomórkowy zazwyczaj rośnie powoli, często tak wolno, że może być niezauważony jako nowy wzrost1421. Szybkość wzrostu różni się znacznie między guzami – niektóre mogą rosnąć zaledwie o 1 mm w ciągu roku, podczas gdy inne mogą powiększać się szybciej, nawet o 1 cm rocznie14.

Choć BCC rzadko daje przerzuty odległe, może być wysoce destrukcyjny lokalnie i zniekształcać okoliczne tkanki, gdy leczenie jest nieodpowiednie lub opóźnione1. Z czasem nieleczony rak podstawnokomórkowy może:

  • Wrastać głębiej w skórę i niszczyć otaczające tkanki, nerwy i kości2223
  • Powodować znaczne uszkodzenia kosmetyczne, szczególnie jeśli występuje na twarzy, szyi lub innych widocznych obszarach22
  • Powodować trudności funkcjonalne, zwłaszcza gdy guz znajduje się w pobliżu oczu, nosa lub uszu2215

Ryzyko nawrotu

Rak podstawnokomórkowy może nawracać nawet po starannym usunięciu, ponieważ niektóre komórki nowotworowe mogą pozostać niewykrywalne po zabiegu, a inne mogą tworzyć odnogi, które rozciągają się poza widoczny obszar7. Ryzyko nawrotu jest większe w przypadku BCC zlokalizowanych na nosie, uszach i wargach, zwykle w ciągu pierwszych dwóch lat po operacji716.

Czynniki zwiększające ryzyko nawrotu obejmują24:

  • Guzy nawrotowe (gorsze wskaźniki wyleczenia niż guzy pierwotne)
  • BCC zlokalizowany na tułowiu
  • Pacjenci z występowaniem kilku guzów jednocześnie

Po rozpoznaniu BCC pacjenci mają zwiększone ryzyko rozwoju kolejnych raków podstawnokomórkowych w innych miejscach, a także zwiększone ryzyko rozwoju raka kolczystokomórkowego skóry i czerniaka złośliwego24.

Rzadkie powikłania i atypowe przebiegi

Przerzuty odległe

Przerzuty w raku podstawnokomórkowym są niezwykle rzadkie, ale mogą wystąpić w bardzo zaawansowanych przypadkach2526. Ten stan, nazywany przerzutowym rakiem podstawnokomórkowym, jest najcięższą postacią BCC i może zagrażać życiu25.

Objawy przerzutowego BCC mogą obejmować27:

  • Zmęczenie i osłabienie
  • Niezamierzona utrata masy ciała
  • Duszność
  • Ból w obszarze przerzutu

Zaawansowany rak podstawnokomórkowy

Zaawansowany rak podstawnokomórkowy powstaje z wcześniejszej zmiany nowotworowej, która nie była leczona lub która nawróciła po leczeniu28. W tym stadium guz jest zazwyczaj wyraźnie większy, może być owrzodzony i nie goić się. W miarę jak miejscowo zaawansowany BCC rośnie i rozprzestrzenia się dalej, może powodować poważne uszkodzenia tkanek lub kości28.

Zaawansowany BCC może prowadzić do następujących komplikacji29:

  • Zmiany w widzeniu (jeśli BCC występuje w pobliżu oczu)
  • Problemy ze słuchem (jeśli BCC występuje w pobliżu uszu)
  • Problemy neurologiczne, takie jak osłabienie mięśni
  • Zmiany w wyglądzie

Zespół raka podstawnokomórkowego (zespół Gorlina-Goltza)

Zespół raka podstawnokomórkowego, znany również jako zespół Gorlina-Goltza lub zespół znamion podstawnokomórkowych, jest rzadkim zaburzeniem genetycznym, które predysponuje do rozwoju licznych raków podstawnokomórkowych już od okresu dojrzewania30.

Oprócz licznych BCC, u pacjentów z tym zespołem mogą występować inne objawy, takie jak:

  • Zmiany kostne (np. skolioza)
  • Problemy oczne
  • Charakterystyczne cechy twarzy (np. szeroki nos)

Pacjenci z tym zespołem wymagają częstych badań dermatologicznych, aby wcześnie wykrywać i leczyć rozwijające się raki podstawnokomórkowe30.

Rozpoznanie różnicowe

Rak podstawnokomórkowy może przypominać różne nienowotworowe zmiany skórne, co może prowadzić do opóźnienia w diagnozie7. Wśród stanów, które mogą być mylone z BCC, znajdują się:

  • Łuszczyca lub wyprysk – zwłaszcza powierzchowna postać BCC może przypominać te stany dermatologiczne731
  • Trądzik lub ukąszenia owadów – guzkowa postać BCC może być mylona z tymi zmianami ze względu na ich często bezobjawowy charakter32
  • Znamiona – pigmentowana postać BCC może być mylona ze zwykłym znamieniem733
  • Blizny – twardzinopodobna postać BCC może przypominać bliznę3233
  • Urazy skóry – niegojące się rany BCC mogą być mylone z urazami mechanicznymi31

Głównym objawem ostrzegawczym, który powinien skłonić do konsultacji dermatologicznej, jest uporczywość zmiany – zwykłe skaleczenie lub zadrapanie zagoi się w ciągu miesiąca, podczas gdy BCC nie zagoją się całkowicie lub będą powracać w tym samym miejscu31.

Rokowanie i przebieg naturalny

Rokowanie dla pacjentów z rakiem podstawnokomórkowym jest generalnie doskonałe, szczególnie gdy odpowiednia metoda leczenia zostanie zastosowana we wczesnym stadium816. BCC rzadko powoduje przerzuty i rzadko zagraża życiu15.

Wskaźnik przeżycia 5-letniego w przypadku raka podstawnokomórkowego wynosi niemal 100%3435. Jednak bez leczenia BCC może prowadzić do znacznych uszkodzeń miejscowych, a w rzadkich przypadkach do śmierci36.

Naturalny przebieg nieleczonego raka podstawnokomórkowego obejmuje1637:

  • Powolny wzrost guza
  • Miejscową inwazję sąsiednich tkanek
  • Potencjalne zniszczenie struktur głębokich, takich jak mięśnie, kości i chrząstki
  • Możliwe owrzodzenie i infekcję zmiany
  • W bardzo rzadkich przypadkach – przerzuty do innych części ciała

Po wyleczeniu BCC istnieje ryzyko nawrotu, szczególnie w pierwszym roku po leczeniu34. Pacjenci, którzy przebyli BCC, mają również zwiększone ryzyko rozwoju nowych ognisk raka podstawnokomórkowego w innych miejscach ciała – około 50% pacjentów z BCC rozwija drugi nowotwór w ciągu 3 lat od pierwszego26.

Podsumowanie objawów i progresji raka podstawnokomórkowego

Rak podstawnokomórkowy to powoli rosnący nowotwór skóry, który rzadko daje przerzuty, ale może być miejscowo destrukcyjny. Główne objawy obejmują zmiany skórne o różnym wyglądzie – od lśniących, perłowych guzków, przez czerwonawe plamy, po obszary podobne do blizny. Zmiany najczęściej występują na obszarach eksponowanych na słońce, zwłaszcza na twarzy i szyi13.

Progresja choroby jest zazwyczaj powolna, ale bez leczenia guz może wrastać głębiej w skórę i niszczyć okoliczne tkanki. Wczesne rozpoznanie i leczenie są kluczowe dla dobrego rokowania. Po leczeniu pacjenci powinni być regularnie obserwowani ze względu na ryzyko nawrotu i rozwoju nowych ognisk BCC716.

Rozpoznanie raka podstawnokomórkowego wymaga specjalistycznej oceny dermatologicznej, często z wykonaniem biopsji dla potwierdzenia diagnozy. Zwiększona świadomość objawów BCC i regularne badania skóry są istotne dla wczesnego wykrycia i skutecznego leczenia tego nowotworu3311.

Kolejne rozdziały

Zapraszamy do dalszego czytania naszego leksykonu.

Wybierz kolejny rozdział z menu poniżej, aby otworzyć nową podstronę kompedium wiedzy i uzyskać szczegółowe informację o leku, substancji lub chorobie.

  1. 09.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Basal Cell Carcinoma – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482439/
    Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cutaneous malignancy, affecting close to one in five Americans. Although rarely fatal, basal cell carcinoma can be highly destructive and disfigure local tissues when treatment is inadequate or delayed. […] Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), previously known as basal cell epithelioma, is the most common cancer in Humans. BCC mostly arises on sun-damaged skin and rarely develops on the mucous membranes or palms and soles. Basal cell carcinoma is usually a slow-growing tumor for which metastases are rare. Although rarely fatal, BCC can be highly destructive and disfigure local tissues when treatment is inadequate or delayed. On clinical examination, BCC usually appears as flesh- or pink-colored, pearly papules with overlying ulceration or telangiectatic vessels. BCC occurs on the head or neck in the majority of cases, but can involve the trunk and extremities.
  • #2 Basal Cell Carcinoma
    https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/
    Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer and the most frequently occurring form of all cancers. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 3.6 million cases are diagnosed each year. BCCs arise from abnormal, uncontrolled growth of basal cells. […] Because BCCs grow slowly, most are curable and cause minimal damage when caught and treated early. Understanding BCC causes, risk factors and warning signs can help you detect them early, when they are easiest to treat and cure. […] BCCs can look like open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, scars or growths with slightly elevated, rolled edges and/or a central indentation. At times, BCCs may ooze, crust, itch or bleed. The lesions commonly arise in sun-exposed areas of the body. […] An open sore that does not heal […] A shiny bump or nodule
  • #3 Basal cell carcinoma – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/basal-cell-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20354187
    Basal cell carcinoma usually develops on sun-exposed parts of your body, especially your head and neck. Less often, basal cell carcinoma can develop on parts of your body usually protected from the sun, such as the genitals. […] Basal cell carcinoma appears as a change in the skin, such as a growth or a sore that won’t heal. These changes in the skin (lesions) usually have one of the following characteristics: […] A shiny, skin-colored bump that’s translucent, meaning you can see a bit through the surface. The bump can look pearly white or pink on white skin. On brown and Black skin, the bump often looks brown or glossy black and has a rolled border. […] A brown, black or blue lesion or a lesion with dark spots with a slightly raised, translucent border. […] A flat, scaly patch with a raised edge. Over time, these patches can grow quite large. […] A white, waxy, scar-like lesion without a clearly defined border.
  • #4 Basal Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images
    https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-warning-signs-images/
    Understanding what basal cell carcinoma (BCC) looks like is important. With early detection and treatment, almost all basal cell skin cancers can be successfully removed without complications. […] Look out for BCC warning signs, including new, changing or unusual skin growths, so you can spot skin cancers early, when they are easiest to treat and cure. […] Check for BCCs where your skin is most exposed to the sun, especially the face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, shoulders and back, but remember that they can occur anywhere on the body. Frequently, two or more of these warning signs and symptoms are apparent in a BCC tumor. […] An open sore that does not heal, and may bleed, ooze or crust. The sore might persist for weeks, or appear to heal and then come back. […] A reddish patch or irritated area, on the face, chest, shoulder, arm or leg that may crust, itch, hurt or cause no discomfort.
  • #5 Basal Cell Carcinoma Clinical Presentation: History, Physical Examination
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/276624-clinical
    Patients presenting with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) often report a slowly enlarging lesion that does not heal and that bleeds when traumatized. […] Consider BCC in any patient with a history of a sore or skin anomaly that does not heal within 3-4 weeks and occurs on sun-exposed skin, especially if it is dimpled in the middle. These tumors may take many months or years to reach even 1 cm in diameter. […] Characteristic features of BCC tumors include the following: Waxy papules with central depression, Pearly appearance, Erosion or ulceration, often central, Bleeding, especially when traumatized, Crusting, Rolled (raised) border, Translucency, Telangiectases over the surface, Slow growing (0.5 cm in 1-2 y). […] BCC usually appears as a flat, firm, pale area that is small, raised, pink or red, translucent, shiny, and waxy, and the area may bleed following minor injury.
  • #6 Basal Cell Carcinoma Clinical Presentation: History, Physical Examination
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/276624-clinical
    The lesion grows slowly, is not painful, and does not itch. […] In patients with recurrent or deeply infiltrative tumors, involvement of the facial nerve or branches of the trigeminal nerve should be investigated. […] BCC seldom causes regional or distant metastasis, with the exception of the metatypical basosquamous type. […] Ulceration, bleeding, and crusting are uncommon and these tumors are commonly mistaken for scar tissue. […] Superficial BCCs occur mostly on the upper trunk or shoulders. This type of BCC grows slowly, has minimal tendency to be invasive, and appears clinically as an erythematous, well-circumscribed patch or plaque, often with a whitish scale. […] The tumor often appears multicentric, with areas of clinically normal skin intervening among clinically involved areas.
  • #7 Basal Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images
    https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-warning-signs-images/
    A shiny bump or nodule that is pearly or clear, pink, red or white. The bump can also be pigmented (tan, black or brown), especially in people of color, and can be mistaken for a normal mole. […] A small pink growth with a slightly raised, rolled edge and a crusted indentation in the center that may develop tiny surface blood vessels over time. […] A scar-like area that is flat white, yellow or waxy in color. The skin appears shiny and taut, often with poorly defined borders. This warning sign may indicate an invasive BCC. […] Keep in mind that BCCs can look different from the pictures and descriptions above. In some people, BCCs resemble noncancerous skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. […] A BCC can recur even when it has been carefully removed the first time, because some cancer cells may remain undetectable after surgery and others can form roots that extend beyond what’s visible. BCCs on the nose, ears and lips are more likely to recur, usually within the first two years after surgery. […] Be on the lookout: Pay particular attention to any previously treated site, note changes and consult with your dermatologist. If the BCC does return, your doctor may recommend a different type of treatment, such as Mohs surgery, a highly effective way to prevent and treat recurrences.
  • #8 Basal Cell Carcinoma – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482439/
    BCC typically presents as a shiny, pink- or flesh-colored papule or nodule with surface telangiectasia. The tumor may enlarge and ulcerate, giving the borders a rolled or rodent ulcer appearance. The most common sites for nodular basal cells are the face, especially the nose, cheeks, forehead, nasolabial folds, and eyelids. Patients often give a history of crusting and recurrent bleeding, causing them to seek evaluation. […] The other common clinical variant of BCC is the morpheaform subtype. This tumor frequently presents as white- or flesh-colored with areas of induration and ill-defined borders. Morpheaform BCCs may resemble a scar or plaque of morphea. The lesion’s surface is typically smooth, although crusts with underlying erosions or ulcerations, as well as superimposed papules, may be observed. Telangiectasias also may be present. The biologic behavior is usually more aggressive, with extensive local destruction. […] BCC is rarely associated with a fatal outcome. Its prognosis is mainly related to its potential risk of recurrence after initial therapy. The risk of recurrence depends on BCC location and BCC clinical and histopathological features.
  • #9 Basal Cell Carcinoma: What it is, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4581-basal-cell-carcinoma
    Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that causes a lump, bump or lesion to form on the outside layer of your skin (epidermis). These lumps form on areas of your skin that get a lot of sun exposure. Treatment to remove cancer from your skin leads to a positive outlook. […] Basal cell carcinoma looks like a small, sometimes shiny bump or scaly flat patch on your skin that slowly grows over time. […] Signs of basal cell carcinoma include: Lumps, bumps, pimples, scabs or scaly lesions on your skin. The lump may be slightly see-through (translucent) and close to your normal skin color or white to pink, brown to black or black to blue. 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.
  • #10 Skin cancer types: Basal cell carcinoma signs and symptoms
    https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/bcc/symptoms
    Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that can show up on the skin in many ways. Sometimes, it can be mistaken for a harmless pimple, scar, or sore. Most basal cell carcinoma’s grow slowly. […] This skin cancer often develops on the head or neck and looks like a shiny, raised, and round growth. […] If you find any of the following signs on your skin, see a board-certified dermatologist. […] A sore that doesn’t heal (or heals and returns) and may bleed, ooze, or crust over. […] For many people, the only sign of this skin cancer is a slow-growing bump, sore-like growth, or rough-feeling area 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. […] Many people find it when they notice a spot, lump, or scaly area on their skin that is growing or feels different from the rest of their skin.
  • #11 Basal Cell Carcinoma | Symptoms & Stages | MedStar Health
    https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/basal-cell-carcinoma-symptoms-and-stages
    Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer in the United States. These abnormal growths develop in the outermost layer of skin that is frequently exposed to the sun, like the head and neck. For many, it looks like a pimple or red sore that doesn’t go away. […] Like other skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma symptoms can involve any new or unusual skin growths. Each type of skin cancer looks different, and the appearance of basal cell cancer varies person-to-person. You should talk to your doctor if you notice: A red or scaly patch of skin that may or may not be itchy or painful, A small, pimple-like growth that is pearly, pink, red, white, black, or brown, An open sore that persists, A mark that looks like a scar, or waxy growth, A dome shape with blood vessels visible in the center. […] If you see something on your skin that you think is concerning, it’s always best to get it checked sooner rather than later. That’s because skin cancer is often easily treated when found in early stages.
  • #12 Basal Cell Carcinoma
    https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/
    A reddish patch or irritated area […] A scar-like area that is flat white, yellow or waxy in color […] A small pink growth with a slightly raised, rolled edge and a crusted indentation in the center. […] BCCs rarely spread beyond the original tumor site. But these lesions can grow and become disfiguring and dangerous. Untreated BCCs can become locally invasive, grow wide and deep into the skin and destroy skin, tissue and bone. The longer you wait to get treatment, the more likely it is that the BCC will recur, sometimes repeatedly. […] There are some highly unusual, aggressive cases when BCC spreads to other parts of the body. In even rarer instances, this type of BCC can become life-threatening. […] Basal cell carcinoma is quite common. The number of reported cases in the U.S. has steadily increased. An estimated 3.6 million Americans are diagnosed with BCC each year. More than one out of every three new cancers are skin cancers, and the vast majority are BCCs.
  • #13 Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Symptoms | Skin Cancer Signs | American Cancer Society
    https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html
    Skin cancer, including basal and squamous cell skin cancers, often don’t cause bothersome symptoms until they have grown quite large. Then, skin cancer symptoms may include itching, bleeding, or even pain. But if you know what to look for, you can spot signs of skin cancer when its still small and easier to treat. […] Basal cell cancers (BCCs) usually develop on areas exposed to the sun, especially the face, head, neck, and arms, but they can occur anywhere on the body. […] In people with lighter-colored skin, basal cell skin cancer can appear as: Small, pink or red, translucent, shiny, pearly bumps, which might have blue, brown, or black areas; Pink growths with raised edges and a lower area in their center, which might contain abnormal blood vessels spreading out like the spokes of a wheel; Flat, firm, pale or yellow areas, similar to a scar; Raised reddish patches that might be itchy; Open sores (which may have oozing or crusted areas) that dont heal, or that heal and then come back. […] Basal cell cancers are often fragile and might bleed after shaving or after a minor injury. If you have a sore or cut that is taking longer than a week or so to heal, check with your doctor, because it could be a sign of basal cell skin cancer.
  • #14 Basal Cell Carcinoma – Skin Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/skin-disorders/skin-cancers/basal-cell-carcinoma
    Usually, a small, shiny bump appears on the skin and enlarges slowly. […] The bumps may break open and form a scab, sometimes with bleeding, or become flat, resembling a scar. […] The tumors enlarge very slowly, sometimes so slowly that they go unnoticed as new growths. However, the growth rate varies greatly from tumor to tumor, with some growing as much as inch (about 1 centimeter) in a year. […] Basal cell carcinomas rarely spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Instead, they invade and slowly destroy surrounding tissues. When basal cell carcinomas grow near the eyes, ears, mouth, bone, or brain, the consequences of spread can be serious and can lead to death. Yet, for most people, the tumors simply grow slowly into the skin. […] The nodular type of basal cell carcinoma usually begins as small, shiny, firm, almost clear to pink in color, raised growth. After a few months or years, visible dilated blood vessels (telangiectases) may appear on the surface, and the center may break open and form a scab. The border of the cancer is sometimes thickened and pearly white. The cancer may alternately bleed and form a scab and heal, leading a person to falsely think that it is a sore rather than a cancer. […] Other types of basal cell carcinomas vary greatly in appearance. For example, the superficial type appears as flat, thin, red or pink patches, and the morpheaform type appears as thicker flesh-colored or light red patches that look somewhat like scars.
  • #15 Basal Cell Carcinoma | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
    https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/basal-cell-carcinoma
    This type of skin cancer rarely causes pain when its developing. However, it may bleed after a minor injury, then form a scab and heal. Since a spot like this can scab and heal over and over again for months or years without seeming to grow, its easy to think that it is just a sore or a wound. […] Basal cell carcinomas rarely spread to other parts of the body, and deaths from this disease are very rare. However, because basal cell carcinomas often occur on the face, they can cause serious cosmetic damage and functional difficulties if not diagnosed and treated early.
  • #16 Basal Cell Carcinoma: What it is, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4581-basal-cell-carcinoma
    Basal cell carcinomas most commonly appear on areas of your body exposed to the sun. The most common places to have BCC include: Face. Scalp. Nose. Eyelids. Legs. Ears. Arms. […] If you dont receive treatment for basal cell carcinoma, the skin cancer can slowly grow in size and invade deeper tissues like muscle and bone and cartilage. The BCC may become painful and ulcerated, which can cause bleeding and infection. In extremely rare cases, basal cell carcinoma can spread to other parts of your body and cause life-threatening side effects. […] The prognosis for people diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is excellent. BCC will rarely spread to other areas of your body and cause harm. Theres a low chance that BCC can return after you have it removed. If you notice a new lesion around the scar from previous treatment, visit your healthcare provider immediately.
  • #17 Basal Cell Carcinoma | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
    https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/basal-cell-carcinoma
    Basal cell carcinomas are most commonly found on the face, neck, hands, or other parts of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun. […] The first sign of basal cell carcinoma is an unusual growth on your skin. You may notice a waxy lump or a small, smooth, shiny, or pale growth. Or there may not be a lump at all, but instead you notice a flat spot that looks slightly different from the rest of your skin. […] Some basal cell carcinomas develop so slowly that you only notice them after theyve been there for a while. […] Basal cell carcinoma can appear in one of several ways: a small, smooth, shiny, or pale growth; a waxy-looking lump; a red patch or irritated area; a small, pink, pearly bump; a white or yellow scar-like area; a smooth growth with a dent or dimple in the middle; a bleeding or oozing sore.
  • #18 Basal-cell carcinoma – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basal-cell_carcinoma
    Painless raised area of skin that may be shiny with small blood vessel running over it or ulceration. […] It often appears as a painless raised area of skin, which may be shiny with small blood vessels running over it. […] It may also present as a raised area with ulceration. […] Basal-cell cancer grows slowly and can damage the tissue around it, but it is unlikely to spread to distant areas or result in death. […] Individuals with basal-cell carcinoma typically present with a shiny, pearly skin nodule. However, superficial basal-cell cancer can present as a red patch similar to eczema. Infiltrative or morpheaform basal-cell cancers can present as a skin thickening or scar tissue making diagnosis difficult without using tactile sensation and a skin biopsy. […] Prognosis is excellent if the appropriate method of treatment is used in early primary basal-cell cancers. Recurrent cancers are much harder to cure, with a higher recurrence rate with any method of treatment. Although basal-cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes, it grows locally with invasion and destruction of local tissues. The cancer can impinge on vital structures like nerves and result in loss of sensation or loss of function or rarely death. The vast majority of cases can be successfully treated before serious complications occur. The recurrence rate for the above treatment options ranges from 50 percent to 1 percent or less. […] The nose and the temporal region are the most common areas of basal-cell carcinoma of the face.
  • #19 What Are the Stages of Basal Cell Carcinoma?
    https://www.dermla.com/sbcblog/what-are-the-stages-of-basal-cell-carcinoma/
    Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that usually starts as a small, painless lump on the head, neck, or shoulders. If left untreated, this tumor can grow and spread to other parts of the body. […] During the first stage of basal cell carcinoma, the tumor is typically small and has not reached deeper layers of the skin. […] During locally advanced disease, which typically occurs after several years with no treatment or if an earlier treatment was unsuccessful, the tumor has grown deeper into the underlying tissue and may have started to spread to nearby lymph nodes. […] In the final stage of basal cell carcinoma, also known as metastatic disease, the tumor has spread throughout the body, including places such as the lungs or liver. […] Keep in mind that it is very rare for BCC to spread elsewhere it takes many years and usually happens to people who have severely compromised immune systems.
  • #20 Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Stages & Survival Rate
    https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/skin-cancer/stages
    Certain features may increase the risk of the cancer spreading or recurring, and these may also be used to stage basal cell carcinomas. These include: […] In stage 1, the cancer is less than 2 centimeters, about 4/5 of an inch across, has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or organs, and has one or fewer high-risk features. […] In stage 2, the cancer is larger than 2 centimeters across, and has not spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes, or a tumor of any size with two or more high-risk features. […] In stage 3, the cancer has spread into facial bones or one nearby lymph node, but not to other organs. […] In stage 4, the cancer can be any size and has spread (metastasized) to one or more lymph nodes which are larger than 3 cm and may have spread to bones or other organs in the body.
  • #21 Basal Cell Carcinoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
    https://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/basal-cell-carcinoma
    Basal cell carcinoma usually grows very slowly and often doesn’t show up for many years after intense or long-term exposure to the sun. […] Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer accounting for 90% of skin cancers in the U.S. It is caused by sun damage. BCC causes small bumps and sometimes open sores on the skin. It is slow growing, and if not removed can spread into underlying tissues. […] Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body, and the treatment is almost always successful, especially if it’s caught early. […] Sometimes new carcinomas can grow, so it’s important to check your skin for any unusual-looking growths and get them checked by your doctor.
  • #22 Basal Cell Carcinoma Untreated for 2 Years: What You Need to Know – Dermatology of Seattle & Bellevue
    https://dermatologyseattle.com/basal-cell-carcinoma-untreated-for-2-years-what-you-need-to-know/
    When left untreated, basal cell carcinoma can progress, causing more noticeable and potentially damaging symptoms: […] Advanced BCC may develop into a non-healing ulcer, which is a painful, open wound that fails to heal and often worsens over time. […] Timely identification of BCC symptoms can significantly improve treatment outcomes. […] While basal cell carcinoma is slow-growing, neglecting them for two years can lead to potential disfigurement and complications from advanced disease, including: […] Untreated BCC can grow deeper into the skin, damaging nearby tissues, nerves, and even bone. […] As the carcinoma grows, it can cause significant cosmetic changes, especially if it’s located on the face, neck, or other visible areas. […] BCC near the eyes, nose, or ears may invade underlying structures, making surgical removal more complicated and risky.
  • #23 Basal Cell Carcinoma | Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | Dermatology of Athens
    https://www.dermathens.com/conditions/basal-cell-carcinoma
    Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) often begins as persistent wounds or sores. […] BCC can appear as reddish areas on sun-exposed parts of the body such as the face, neck, arms, and legs. […] BCC might resemble scars, pink growths, or shiny bumps. […] In some cases, they bear a resemblance to moles, contributing to misidentification. […] If Basal Cell Carcinoma is suspected, a biopsy is typically performed by a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis. […] Regular follow-ups and ongoing skin checks are essential to monitor for any signs of recurrence or new skin abnormalities.
  • #24 Basal Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
    https://patient.info/doctor/basal-cell-carcinoma
    The sun-exposed areas of the head and neck are the most commonly involved sites. Approximately 80% occur on the head and neck, with the rest mainly on the trunk and lower limbs. […] Early lesions are often small, translucent or pearly and have raised areas with telangiectasia. […] The classic rodent ulcer has an indurated edge and ulcerated centre. It is slow-growing but can spread deeply to cause considerable destruction. […] Mortality is low because basal cell carcinomas rarely metastasise. […] Recurrent tumours have poorer cure rates than primary tumours. […] Following development of a BCC, patients are at significantly increased risk of developing subsequent BCCs at other sites. […] High-risk groups for the development of further BCC include patients with truncal BCC and those presenting with tumour clusters. […] Patients with BCC also have an increased risk of developing SCC and malignant melanoma. […] There may also be a small increased risk of other malignancies, such as cancer of the lung, thyroid, mouth, breast and cervix and also non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
  • #25 What Does Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma Look Like?
    https://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/basal-cell-carcinoma-looks-like
    Advanced BCC can spread to other tissue around your original tumor. Sometimes it can be hard for your doctor to tell exactly where the cancer border ends. […] Very rarely, BCC cells that start in your skin spread to other areas of your body. Thats called metastatic BCC. Its the most serious form of basal cell carcinoma.
  • #26 Basal Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment — DermNet
    https://dermnetnz.org/topics/basal-cell-carcinoma
    BCC is a locally invasive skin tumour. The main characteristics are: […] Slowly growing plaque or nodule […] Spontaneous bleeding or ulceration. […] BCC is very rarely a threat to life. A tiny proportion of BCCs grow rapidly, invade deeply, and/or metastasise to local lymph nodes. […] Advanced BCCs are large, often neglected tumours. […] They may be deeply infiltrating into tissues below the skin. […] Metastatic BCC is very rare. […] Can be fatal. […] Most BCCs are cured by treatment. Cure is most likely if treatment is undertaken when the lesion is small. […] About 50% of people with BCC develop a second one within 3 years of the first.
  • #27 Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma: Pictures, Symptoms, Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-cancer/advanced-basal-cell-carcinoma
    The exact symptoms of metastatic BCC can vary depending upon where the cancer has spread to. However, some general symptoms to look for are: fatigue, weakness, unintended weight loss, shortness of breath, pain in the area of the metastatic site. […] BCC is typically a slow growing cancer. That means that it may take several years for it to become advanced. […] Generally speaking, the outlook for people with advanced BCC is poorer than that for people with an earlier stage of BCC. This is because the cancer has spread further and, as such, can be more challenging to treat. […] BCC becomes advanced when it has spread deeper into surrounding tissues or to more distant tissues in the body. Since BCC is a slow growing cancer, this typically happens over a period of several years. […] Advanced BCC is more difficult to treat than early BCC, often due to the location, size, and extent of the cancer. However, newer systemic treatments can help to improve your outlook when surgery or radiation therapy isn’t recommended.
  • #28 Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma: Pictures, Symptoms, Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-cancer/advanced-basal-cell-carcinoma
    Approximately 1% to 10% of all basal cell carcinomas progress to an advanced stage. […] Many times, BCC remains localized to a single area. However, in rarer cases, it can spread deeper into surrounding tissues or to more distant tissues. This is called advanced BCC. […] Advanced BCC arises from an earlier cancerous lesion that wasn’t treated or has recurred after treatment. […] The ways that BCC can present are very diverse. Some examples of potential signs of BCC can be: a scaly, irritated patch of skin that’s slightly raised, a sore or pimple-like lesion that doesn’t heal and may ooze or bleed, a shiny bump that’s similar to your skin tone and may be mistaken for a mole, a pink or reddish area that dips in at the center, a flat, waxy area that looks similar to a scar. […] When BCC becomes advanced, the lesion typically becomes noticeably larger. It may also become ulcerated and not heal. As locally advanced BCC grows and spreads further, it could cause severe tissue or bone damage.
  • #29 What Does Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma Look Like?
    https://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/basal-cell-carcinoma-looks-like
    Advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) can look different on everyone. But this kind of skin cancer does have some common traits. Mainly, it grows in a way that makes it tough to treat. […] It can be hard to get rid of, especially if it goes untreated for a long time. […] An advanced basal cell carcinoma is a BCC that has spread deeper into the tissue. It may look different on different people but is generally a solitary, shiny, bump with large blood vessels in it. It is generally slow growing but should be treated immediately. […] BCC tends to grow slower than other kind of cancer, but thats not always the case. And if its advanced BCC, it can spread much deeper into your tissue. […] If you get advanced BCC in these areas, you may have symptoms such as: Vision changes, Hearing problems, Nerve issues, like muscle weakness, Changes in the way you look.
  • #30 Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome Information | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/nevoid-basal-cell-carcinoma-syndrome
    Main symptoms of this disorder are: A type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma that develops around the time of puberty […] Other symptoms include: Broad nose […] The condition may affect the nervous system and lead to: Eye problems […] The condition also leads to bone defects, including: Curvature of the back (scoliosis) […] It is important to get examined by a skin specialist (dermatologist) often, so that skin cancers may be treated while they are still small. […] Frequent follow-up with a variety of specialists is important for having a good outcome. […] People with this condition may develop: Skin damage and severe scarring due to skin cancers.
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  • #32 Basal Cell Carcinoma Untreated for 2 Years: What You Need to Know – Dermatology of Seattle & Bellevue
    https://dermatologyseattle.com/basal-cell-carcinoma-untreated-for-2-years-what-you-need-to-know/
    Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, and while it is often slow-growing and treatable, leaving it untreated for an extended period like two years can lead to serious consequences. […] Recognizing the signs and symptoms of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is vital for early detection and effective treatment. Patients commonly mistake basal cell carcinomas for pimples or bug bites due to their often asymptomatic nature, leading to delays in treatment. […] While BCC is often slow-growing, overlooking the early signs can lead to significant complications over time. […] Early-stage basal cell carcinoma often presents as subtle skin changes, which can be mistaken for benign conditions like rashes, acne, or scars. […] One of the hallmark symptoms of BCC is a sore or ulcer that forms, scabs over, but fails to heal completely.
  • #33 Basal Cell Carcinoma | Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | Mid-TN Skin Surgery Center | Cookeville, TN
    https://www.midtn-skin.com/conditions/basal-cell-carcinoma
    Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) often begins as persistent wounds or sores. […] BCC can appear as reddish areas on sun-exposed parts of the body such as the face, neck, arms, and legs. […] BCC might resemble scars, pink growths, or shiny bumps. […] In some cases, they bear a resemblance to moles, contributing to misidentification. […] If Basal Cell Carcinoma is suspected, a biopsy is typically performed by a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis.
  • #34 Basal Cell Carcinoma – Do You Know The Warning Signs?
    https://www.molemap.net.au/skin-cancer/basal-cell-carcinoma
    The good news is that most basal cell carcinomas can be successfully treated. […] The outlook for people diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma is positive. […] Yet, know that basal cell carcinoma may recur, particularly during the first year. It can also develop in a new area of the body, so it pays to be vigilant.
  • #35 Basal Cell Carcinoma: Risk Factors | Mass General Brigham
    https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/basal-cell-carcinoma-risk-factors
    Basal cell carcinoma can develop on any area of your skin, but its often found on the head and neck, which both get a lot of sun exposure, says Dr. Demehri. […] Its easy to mistake basal cell carcinoma for acne or harmless skin wounds. The following warning signs may indicate cancer: A sore that doesnt heal after a month or two, A small, fleshy bump or skin tag, A smooth growth with a wound in its middle, A scaly spot on your skin, A lump with a waxy or pearly appearance. […] This is a slow-growing skin cancer. It doesnt usually spread to other parts of the body. That makes it easier for us to treat and cure, Dr. Demehri says. […] The good news? Remember that basal cell carcinoma is usually easy to treat. The five-year survival rate is an amazing 100%, says Dr. Demehri.
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  • #37 Basal Cell Carcinoma Stages – Cancer Therapy Advisor
    https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/factsheets/basal-cell-carcinoma-stages/
    At an early stage, basal cell carcinoma is small and confined, and usually can be cured. […] Basal cell carcinoma usually is a slow-growing cancer and not life-threatening; however, early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent it from spreading. […] The affected area may be itchy, irritated, or slightly rough; […] The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs, bones, liver, or other organs; and […] Symptoms vary but may include chronic pain, fatigue, or weight loss; difficulty breathing (if cancer spreads to the lungs); and bone pain or fractures (if it spreads to the bones). […] Untreated basal cell carcinoma will continue to grow and invade nearby tissues, which may result in the larger, more invasive tumors that can be challenging to treat. Rarely, basal cell carcinoma can spread to lymph nodes or other organs.