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Basal Cell Carcinoma

Most Common Skin Cancer with Local Invasion

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dermatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Arises from keratinocytes in basal epidermis, driven by Hedgehog pathway mutations (PTCH1, SMO).

Subtypes: nodular (most common), superficial, morpheaform/sclerosing, pigmented, basosquamous.

Chronic UV exposure (especially facial, sun-exposed sites) is the main driver.

High-risk BCC: H-zone of face, recurrent, morpheaform, >2 cm, immunosuppressed hosts.

Symptoms

Pearly, translucent papule or nodule with telangiectasia
Central ulceration with rolled borders (rodent ulcer)
Scar-like sclerosing plaque (morpheaform) with ill-defined borders
Pink, scaly patches on trunk (superficial BCC)
Non-healing sore that bleeds, scabs, and recurs
Pigmented variant mimicking melanoma

Risk Factors

Fair skin (Fitzpatrick I–II) and chronic UV exposure
Older age and male sex
History of tanning beds, outdoor occupation
Immunosuppression and prior radiation
Arsenic exposure and basal cell nevus syndrome (Gorlin)
Prior skin cancer or actinic damage

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Non-healing, pearly, or bleeding skin lesion
  • Rapid growth, ulceration, or destructive lesion on face
  • Personal or family history of skin cancer with new lesions

Treatment Methods

01
Standard surgical excision with appropriate margins
02
Mohs micrographic surgery for H-zone and high-risk/recurrent lesions
03
Curettage and electrodesiccation for small, low-risk superficial BCC
04
Topical imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil for superficial BCC in selected cases
05
Radiation therapy when surgery is contraindicated
06
Hedgehog pathway inhibitors (vismodegib, sonidegib) for locally advanced or metastatic disease

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dermatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Basal Cell Carcinoma — Surgical Treatment

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Surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma includes standard excision with 4-5 mm margins for low-risk lesions, Mohs micrographic surgery for high-risk anatomical locations (face, ears, periorbital, perinasal) and aggressive subtypes (morpheaform, infiltrative, recurrent) achieving 99% cure rate, electrodessication and curettage for superficial low-risk lesions, and immediate reconstruction with primary closure, local flaps, or grafts.

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Acne is a skin disease resulting from clogging of hair follicles with oil and dead skin cells, commonly seen in adolescence but can occur at any age.

Rosacea

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Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory facial skin disease characterized by recurrent flushing, persistent erythema, telangiectasia, and inflammatory papules and pustules. Phymatous change and ocular involvement may complicate advanced disease.

Urticaria (Hives)

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Urticaria is a skin condition with sudden pink-red wheals and intense itching that may follow an acute or chronic course.

Skin Fungal Infections

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Skin fungal infections are common, contagious skin diseases caused by dermatophytes and yeast fungi colonizing the upper layers of the skin.

Hair Loss (Alopecia)

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.