10 Basal Cell Carcinoma Symptoms

By carolynne

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Symptoms. Ucsfhealth.org, www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/basal-cell-and-squamous-cell-carcinoma/symptoms.
• 2. Skin Cancer Types: Basal Cell Carcinoma Signs and Symptoms. American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/bcc/symptoms.
• 3. Basal Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images. The Skin Cancer Foundation, 4 Jan 2021, www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-warning-signs-images/.
• 4. Chlebicka, Iwona, et al. Is Basal Cell Carcinoma an Itchy Tumor? Clinical Characteristics of Itch in Basal Cell Carcinoma. Journal of Clinical Medicine, MDPI, 26 July 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7465681/.

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Basal cell carcinoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of nonaggressive skin cancer and is rarely fatal. The most common causes of this slow-growing cancer include chronic exposure ultraviolet rays from the sun and overuse of tanning beds.¹Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Symptoms. Ucsfhealth.org, www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/basal-cell-and-squamous-cell-carcinoma/symptoms.

This type of cancer is relatively asymptomatic, but there are a few warning signs. Any changes to sores, moles or strange growths on sun-exposed areas of the body should always be investigated. It’s also important to remember that not all skin lesions and growths are cancer. Below are 10 symptoms that are considered red flags for basal cell carcinoma.

1. Open Sores That Don’t Heal

Sores that don’t heal over a period of a couple of months should be scrutinized. Most sores have a natural healing period, but basal cell carcinoma sores tend to heal and then return. These chronic sores are characterized by bleeding, oozing and crusting. Basal cell carcinomas sores are also often mistaken for recurring pimples.²Skin Cancer Types: Basal Cell Carcinoma Signs and Symptoms. American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/bcc/symptoms.

Individuals with sores that get progressively worse or never fully disappear should consult a dermatologist or medical professional. Not all chronic sores are carcinomas, but any wound that doesn’t heal might have other underlying causes.