What does a Basal Cell Carcinoma look like?
See real examples of how Basal Cell Carcinoma can appear on the skin, and explore the treatment options available for managing and removing BCC effectively.
What does a Basal Cell Carcinoma look like?
Basal Cell Carcinoma unfortunately does not always look the same, and they can be difficult to spot and diagnose, even for specialists. When a basal cell carcinoma first starts, it may only look like a tiny pink blemish. As they grow, BCCs sometimes go through a classic pathway of ‘getting worse and better again’. When they flare up, the BCC is easier to see, and may look like a simple skin spot or scar. They may itch, have a scaly surface, and bleed (a classic description is a spot that bleeds when drying yourself with a towel). The ‘flaring’ phase may last a few weeks, then the BCC goes quiet again and can be very hard to see. The roots, though, are still present and although it looks like it has gone, it has not. The way a basal cell carcinoma looks as it develops over time (months or even years) often depends on the growth type. There are a number of different types of BCC, but the most common types are described below…..
Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma
These are the ‘classic’ form of basal cell carcinoma, and the type most often described on websites or in textbooks. Nodular basal cell carcinoma often has a red, dome-shaped appearance, and vessels (little veins or arteries) may be seen on their surface. In certain lights, nodular basal cell carcinomas may have a slight sheen to them, described by doctors as ‘pearliness’.
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
Superficial basal cell carcinomas are, as their name suggests, on the very upper surface of the skin and have not yet started to grow deeper. These have a flat, pink appearance and can occasionally be scaly. The superficial BCCs may sometimes be confused with other conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. They may continue to grow in the very superficial part of the skin, and can get to a few centimetres in diameter, but can also start to grow deeper and look like the other types of BCC.
Morphoeic Basal Cell Carcinoma
The morphoeic basal cell carcinomas can be extremely hard to see and diagnose. These tend to be quite inconspicuous, and often look like indistinct scarring. Morphoeic basal cell carcinomas can become quite large before they are eventually noticed, usually when they start to bleed or form crusts (scabs). Fortunately they are a rarer form of basal cell carcinoma.
Infiltrative Basal Cell Carcinoma
Under a microscope, these look the same as the morphoeic basal cell carcinomas. On the skin though, the infiltrative BCCs can ulcerate, bleed and have crusting at an earlier stage. These are more commonly found than the morphoeic forms.
View Pictures of Basal Cell Carcinomas
See real examples of how Basal Cell Carcinoma can appear on the skin, and explore the treatment options available for managing and removing BCC effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the appearance of Basal Cell Carcinoma, how it changes over time, and when to seek expert assessment.
What are the early signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Can BCCs look different from case to case?
What does a nodular BCC look like?
How can I tell if a skin mark might be cancerous?
Why is it important to see a BCC specialist like Mr. Tehrani?
Important information
Mr Tehrani is one of the UK’s leading Mohs and Reconstructive Surgeons, with a reputation for providing expert, patient-focused skin cancer care. If you have concerns about a skin lesion or are seeking specialist treatment, please get in touch — we’re here to help.
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