BCC originates in the basal layer of theepidermis(which is the outermost layers).
The basal layer of the skin is responsible for producing new skin cells and pushing them to the surface.
Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma
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Nodular basal cell carcinoma is one of the three main subtypes of BCC.
Nodular BCC is the most common BCC subtype, accounting for over 50% of all BCC cases.
These lesions appear as small, dome-shaped nodules populated by tiny branch-like blood vessels (referred to astelangiectasias).
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The lesions often appear skin-colored, pinkish, or pearly white.
This is a typical characteristic of nodular BCC.
It may suddenly enlarge, crust over, or form a central depression.
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The area may also bleed easily.
Rodent ulcers tend to be more aggressive.
In this location, they can significantly damage nearby tissue.
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It’s characterized by multiple nodules that can be extremely small and uniform with well-defined borders.
Micronodular BCC lesions vary in shade from skin-colored to slightly greyish and may appear a whitish-yellow when stretched.
The lesions occur most commonly around the eyes and are often firm to the touch.
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Unlike nodular BCC, micronodular BCC is less likely to form ulcers.
Often, lesions are not even noticed.
It is more frequently seen in fair-skinned adults under 50 but can occur in people as young as 20.
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It is distinguished by its darkened (hyperpigmented) coloration but is otherwise the same as its non-pigmented counterpart.
The color is usually quite uniform, ranging from dark brown to bluish-black.
In fact, both forms of cancer share many of the same features.
National Cancer Institute
A pigmented nodular BCC lesion is typically well-demarcated and, like invasive melanoma, can grow quickly.
This involves a non-invasive tool called reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM).
Morpheaform Basal Cell Carcinoma
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Because of this, there’s a higher risk of recurrence compared to the other BCC subtypes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly.
It rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but can become locally invasive.
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This can take years.
Nevertheless, early diagnosis and treatment are still important.
Tanese K.Diagnosis and management of basal cell carcinoma.Curr Treat Options Oncol.
2015;88(2):167-179.
American Academy of Dermatology.Skin Cancer Types: Basal Cell Carcinoma Signs and Symptoms.
