What does a basal cell carcinoma look like? How can it be told apart from a pimple or a wound that won't heal?

Hello,

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It grows slowly and locally, and very rarely spreads to other parts of the body; however, if left untreated, it can damage the surrounding tissues. It is associated primarily with cumulative sun exposure.

What does it look like?

The most typical presentation is a small, pearly or translucent raised area, sometimes with tiny visible blood vessels on the surface.

It may also appear as a wound or sore that will not heal properly: it bleeds easily, forms a scab, partially heals, and then reopens.

In other cases it presents as a pink patch, an area that resembles a scar without any prior injury, or a lesion with a raised border and a sunken centre.

It appears most commonly on the face, nose, ears, neck, and other areas regularly exposed to the sun.

How can it be distinguished from a spot or an ordinary wound?

The key factor is time. An ordinary spot or wound will improve within a few weeks. Any lesion that does not heal over several weeks, that bleeds repeatedly, or that is slowly growing should be assessed by a specialist.

Signs that should prompt you to seek advice

a wound that has not healed in more than three or four weeks;

a pearly or shiny lesion that is gradually growing;

repeated bleeding from minimal contact;

an area resembling a scar that appears for no apparent reason.

What should you do?

For any lesion with these characteristics, the sensible course of action is an in-person medical assessment. Basal cell carcinoma, when diagnosed early, responds very well to treatment.

Please do not attempt to treat it yourself or wait to see whether it disappears.

Warm regards,

Doctor Florian A. Vallecillo Cabrera