What are the signs and symptoms of basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that can show up on the skin in many ways. Sometimes, it can be mistaken for a harmless pimple, scar, or sore. Most basal cell carcinoma's grow slowly. To help you spot basal cell carcinoma before it grows deep into your skin, dermatologists share these 7 warning signs that could be easily missed. If you find any of the following signs on your skin, see a board-certified dermatologist. Board-certified dermatologists know how to tell the difference between something small and something major.

7 warning signs of basal cell carcinoma that you could mistake as harmless

1. Warning sign: A pink or reddish growth that dips in the center.
   Can be mistaken for: A skin injury or acne scar.
2. Warning sign: A growth or scaly area of skin on or near the ear.
   Can be mistaken for: Scaly and dry skin, a minor injury, or a scar.
   
3. Warning sign: A sore that doesn't heal (or heals and returns) and may bleed, ooze, or crust over.
   Can be mistaken for: A sore or pimple.
   
4. Warning sign: A scaly, slightly raised patch of irritated skin, which could be red, pink, or another color.
   Can be mistaken for: Dry, irritated skin, especially if it's red or pink.
   
5. Warning sign: A round growth that may be pink, red, brown, black, tan, or the same color as your skin.
   Can be mistaken for: A mole, wart, or other harmless growth.
   
6. Warning sign: A spot on the skin that feels a bit scaly
   Could be mistaken for: Age spot or freckle.
   
7. Warning sign: A scar-like mark on your skin that may be white, yellow, or skin-colored and waxy. The affected skin may look shiny, and the surrounding skin often feels tight.
   Could be mistaken for: A scar.
   

What color is basal cell carcinoma?

This skin cancer tends to be one color, but the color can vary from one basal cell carcinoma to the next. This cancer may be:

• Red or pink (most common)
• Brown, black, blue, gray, or show flecks of these colors
• The same color as your skin
• Yellowish
• White

Does basal cell carcinoma hurt?

For many people, the only sign of this skin cancer is a slow-growing bump, sore-like growth, or rough-feeling area on their skin. However, some people develop symptoms where they have this skin cancer.

Symptoms include:

• Numbness
• A pins-and-needles sensation
• Extreme sensitivity
• Itching

Summer's here, and with it comes the sun! It's important to remember to protect your skin from sunburn and the risk of skin cancer. The most important precaution anyone can take is to use sunscreen. Everyone is equally susceptible to skin cancer regardless of age or skin tone.

What sun protection is recommended?

Sunscreens provide decent protection, but are not the whole story. Additionally, one can wear sun protective clothing, stick to the shade during the mid-day hours (10am-3pm), use caution around reflective surfaces like bodies of water or sand, and avoid tanning beds in order to protect your skin.

What sunscreen is recommended?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that is water resistant and to reapply it regularly every 2-3 hours if out all day. After SPF 30, there is minimal additional protection for higher SPF's.

Are sunscreens safe to use?

Sunscreens have been used for decades are considered generally safe. There have been some recent studies demonstrating absorption of sunscreen chemicals internally, but it unknown what effects this produces in the body. Due to this uncertainly, we recommend non-chemical sunblock sunscreens containing zinc. Nano-particle titanium is also controversial and should be avoided. 

Should you use older sunscreens?

Several sunscreens (mainly sprays) have been recalled over the past couple of years due to cancer-causing chemicals, mainly benzene. Make sure any older sunscreens are not on the recall list. Also make sure your sunscreen is in date, as the efficacy goes down past that date.

What about Vitamin D?

15-20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure of face and arms, which most people get without realizing it, should provide enough Vitamin D for the day. However, Vitamin D metabolism is complicated, and even with adequate or excessive sun exposure, Vitamin D levels can remain low. We recommend getting your Vitamin D level checked, and taking oral supplements if the level is low despite sun exposure the above levels.