Basal Cell Carcinoma

Why choose us for basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is cancer that grows from the bottom, or basal, layer of the epidermis (top layer of skin). At Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, our multidisciplinary team of dermatology and cancer experts delivers leading therapies for BCC.

Our board-certified dermatologists understand the nuances of how basal cell carcinoma and other skin cancers look and act. We offer research-based treatments, including Mohs surgery, to remove cancer with minimal scarring.

Find out more about our skin cancer program.

What you need to know about basal cell carcinoma

• Basal cell carcinoma is the most common of all skin cancers. It grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of your body. Prompt treatment can often cure BCC.
• When left untreated for long periods of time, BCC may spread to nearby muscle, bone or even brain tissue. In rare cases, BCC can be life-threatening.
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from long-term sun exposure or indoor tanning beds is thought to be the main cause of skin cancers. BCC often develops on areas (like the head, ears or nose) that get a lot of sun. This cancer less commonly affects the arms, legs and genitals.
• Other factors, like fair (light) skin, can also increase your risk of developing BCC. Basal cell carcinoma usually affects middle-aged people through older adults, but it can occur in younger people. Our team can help you assess and manage your cancer risk with a skin cancer screening plan that works for your life.
• We treat many BCC cancers using in-office treatments or surgical procedures. Multiple cancer experts work together to treat complex BCC cases with enhanced options. This level of coordination helps us deliver highly customized care that’s most appropriate for the specific type of cancer you have.

How to talk to your doctor about basal cell carcinoma

Hearing you have basal cell carcinoma may make you feel uneasy about your health. We are here to listen to your concerns and walk you through the care process.

Our dermatologists and support team are known for their friendly, approachable demeanor. We take our time during appointments. We will explain your diagnosis and treatment options in detail.

Many people find it comforting to have a loved one participate in the care process, attending appointments with you or weighing in on treatment decisions. We welcome it.

You might want to ask your doctor about:

• Additional testing, if any, you may need to inform your diagnosis or treatment plan
• Cancer details, including the size and type of basal cell carcinoma and whether it has spread
• Treatment options, including any steps you should take after treatment to protect your skin
• Potential treatment side effects and how you can manage them
• Skin cancer screening, including skin safety tips and how often your doctor recommends getting skin cancer screening to help protect your long-term health

Types

Doctors classify BCC by where it grows on the body and how cells look under a microscope. All types of BCC grow out of basal cells, one of the skin’s topmost layers.

There are many types of basal cell skin cancer. Subtypes that tend to grow and spread quickly include:

• Morpheaform (also called sclerosing or infiltrative) BCC
• Micronodular BCC

Our board-certified dermatologists have received in-depth training in how to care for common and rare forms of BCC. We expertly treat early and advanced forms of basal cell carcinoma

Symptoms

BCC affects people differently. A sign of early basal cell carcinoma is a shiny, pearl-like bump on your skin. More advanced disease may hurt or bleed.

Diagnosis

Doctors can often diagnose basal cell carcinoma by looking at the area in question during a skin evaluation. Your doctor may remove a small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) and analyze cells under a microscope to confirm or rule out a cancer diagnosis.

Our specialists include dermatopathologists, who are pathologists with extra training in skin cancers. Their expert knowledge of how BCC cancer cells look and act helps us pinpoint your diagnosis and recommend treatments that are right for you.

Certain rare genetic diseases can increase your chances for developing BCC someday. Our dermatologists are highly trained to identify these rare conditions. They use specialized on-site genetic testing and counseling to inform your care. Eligible patients may benefit from an advanced type of chemotherapy medication that targets BCC caused by a genetic disease.

Treatment

Our dermatology and cancer experts stay up to date with the latest skin cancer advances. We work together to customize treatment to your needs.

Your care team may recommend one or a combination of basal cell carcinoma treatments, depending on a cancer’s size, location and type.

BCC treatment options include:

• Curettage and electrodesiccation: We numb the affected area with local anesthesia and then carefully scrape away the skin lesion. We may use an electric needle to destroy any basal skin cancer cells that remain.
• Mohs surgery: Our team includes a dermatologist who is fellowship-trained to perform a specialized skin cancer surgery called Mohs micrographic surgery. In this procedure, a surgeon removes one thin layer of tissue at a time, then analyzes it under a microscope until no cancer cells remain. This process helps provide a high degree of precision while protecting healthy tissue.
• Reconstructive surgery: Depending on your needs, your care team may recommend head and neck reconstructive surgery. Our highly trained reconstructive surgeons work closely with skin cancer specialists to repair the look or function of certain face, neck or scalp tissues after cancer treatment.
• Topical chemotherapy medication: Newer, targeted chemotherapy medications may help treat certain advanced BCC. They can also treat cancers that come back (recur) after surgery or for which surgery isn’t an option. Learn more about targeted therapy.

Research and clinical trials for basal cell carcinoma

Clinical trials offer eligible patients an opportunity for enhanced cancer treatment options close to home. Your doctor will explain how available clinical trials may benefit you at any point during your care.

Read more about cancer research and clinical trials.